On this nice October afternoon I had to make a trip to the dreaded Cambridge Galleria to get a dress shirt. After going to do an unpleasant task I treated myself to a beer at Pugs Bar and Grill. It is a nice little neighborhood stop on this fine afternoon. Locals were the only ones in there everyone seemed to know each other but didn't make me feel unwelcome. The place smelled like smoked meats because of a Rib contest that was going on the next day with all the Cambridge Street restaurants. For the beer I had the OPA OPA Pumpkin Ale which was very underwhelming. It was very light with not much beer taste or pumpkin taste. I was upset because I have liked what I have had from the OPA OPA Brewery.
Here is a little history of Pug from their website pugsbarandgrill.com
Pugliese's Bar and Grill has roots in Cambridge. In 1933, Prohibition had come to a close, Oreste Farina had a dream. A barber by trade, he envisioned a trattoria reminiscent of those he loved in his homeland, the province of Puglia, Italy. The foundation of his dream included a warm, rustic envioronment where neighbors and friends could gather over a drink and a meal. His dream became a reality when he was able to purchase the property at 635 Cambridge St. called the Madden Shoe Building. Farina worked hard to model his restaurant, Pugliese's, after those located in the heel of the Italian boot. His homemade wine and parmagiana brought Puglia to a city whose populaltion yearned for the food and beverage of its roots.
In 1979, Farina retired, passing his business on to his son. The building and the business remained a gathering place for many.
In 1989, Farnina's grandson, Robert Salines, purchased the restaurant from his uncle. Salines, who had always shared his grandfather's passion and entrepreneurial spirit, made it a new and modern reality.
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