The Green Briar Pub Is Closing after Almost 30 Years in Brighton

The Green Briar in Brighton will close its doors May 6. / Photo courtesy of the Briar Group

Big changes are about to happen in Brighton: One of the neighborhood’s go-to bars is closing for good. The Green Briar will close its heavy, wooden doors for the final time on May 6, after nearly 30 years of pulling perfect pints of Guinness on Washington Street.

The Briar Group, an independent restaurant group which now owns more than a dozen venues around Boston, got started in the business with this classic Irish pub. With exposed brick walls, a large fireplace, and brassy fixtures, it’s always been an stylishly cozy place to tuck into a big plate of fish and chips, beer-battered chicken tenders, or shepherd’s pie. There are frequent live music performances, and the space is outfitted with TVs and a large projector screen for sports screenings. Behind the pub is a pleasant outdoor patio.

Every Monday evening for more than 25 years, a group of 20-odd musicians gather at the Green Briar to play traditional Irish music in what the pub claims is the city’s longest-running session. Before the pub closes for good, there’s at least one more Irish session on the calendar, coming up Monday, April 29. The Green Briar has also made a name for itself in recent years with a Sunday night comedy show.

The Briar Group’s O’Connor family posted on the Green Briar’s website last night:

LAST CALL: To our loyal friends and guests from the past 29 years, It is with a heavy heart that we share the Green Briar’s last day of service will be Monday, May 6, 2019. This was a difficult and sad decision to make. We want to recognize and express sincere appreciation for our staff – some have been with us since the very beginning. Their hard work and dedication to providing warm hospitality was what made the Green Briar so special. We have met with the team regarding the closing date and our priority is to help each employee transfer jobs. To our guests, thank you. We hope to see you and say good-bye before our last day of service.

Besides the Green Briar, the restaurant group owns a few other Irish pubs, M.J. O’Connor’s, Sólás, and Ned Devine’s; Causeway-area sports bars the Harp and Hurricane’s at the Garden; restaurants including City Table at the Lenox Hotel, and Glass House in Kendall Square; and more venues. The company is currently developing a new, country music venue and bar for Patriot Place called Six String Grill and Stage, slated to open sometime in 2019.

Boston has reached out to a Briar Group representative to see what’s next for the Brighton location, and will update this post if more information becomes available. In the meantime, head over to the Green Briar before May 6 to pay respects over a few final pints of stout.

304 Washington St., Brighton, 617-789-4100, greenbriarpub.com.