The Charlestown Rathskeller

The Charlestown Rathskeller Restaurant Review:

The original Rathskeller was a pre-Prohibition relic famous for its french fries and faded murals of boxers like Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney. But when it closed, we figured it was gone for good. After all, who would throw time and money into reviving a bar and restaurant located on a side street deep in the woods of Charlestown, R.I.? Well, we're happy to report that the Rat is back, and better than ever. The old murals and the fries are still there, but the interior space has been expanded with a large bar and the addition of flat-screen TVs. A lovely stone patio extends the dining space outdoors, with a satellite bar that bustles on evenings when bocce, cornhole, and horseshoe tournaments take place on the adjacent courts. Down a short hill is a fire pit and beach volleyball court, along with another bar. As for the food, it's best described as pub grub with a gourmet's heart: the famous hand-cut fries, for example, can be ordered plain or topped with bacon and cheese, truffled pecorino, or short rib gravy. We also recommend the steak sandwich, filled with tender meat, mushrooms and caramelized onions. Drafts include microbrew beers and cider from around New England. The full dinner menu includes a variety of steaks and local seafood, and for dessert, well, how can you go wrong with a fresh-baked pretzel served with hot honey mustard?