Esquire recently unveiled their annual compilation of the 50 Best New Restaurants in America, and among their selections is a fresh addition in Somerville. Lehrhaus, a Jewish tavern, made its debut in the spring of 2023 and has been steadily gaining popularity ever since. This establishment stands out as a distinctive bar and restaurant in Boston, where exorbitant rents and the scarcity of liquor licenses make it exceedingly challenging to open a smaller, more specialized venue.
What sets Lehrhaus apart is its celebration of the broader Jewish diaspora, going beyond the usual deli favorites while adhering to kosher guidelines. In fact, co-founder Joshua Foer, who is also an author and one of the founders of Atlas Obscura, mentioned to Boston.com that Lehrhaus is likely the first kosher establishment to ever be featured in the magazine's 41-year history of publishing this prestigious list.
Esquire's review of the food at Lehrhaus highlights some delectable offerings. They describe the deviled eggs, prepared haminados-style, which are aged in coffee and garnished with pickled mustard seeds. Additionally, they mention a herring tartine accompanied by the vibrant spiciness of pickled peppers alongside the silvery fish.
One particular dish that captures our attention is the mac 'n' cheese kugel, adorned with crispy sunflower seeds. It's a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Another intriguing aspect of Lehrhaus is their wonderfully crispy fish and chips, made with day boat pollack and seasoned with Old Bay. While Old Bay may seem secular, it is worth noting that it was actually invented by Gustav Brunn, a Jewish German refugee, in 1939.
The cocktails at Lehrhaus are truly exceptional and inventive, which likely contributed to Esquire's interest. Drinks like The Tribe of Dan, named after one of the 12 tribes of Israel that migrated to present-day Ethiopia and Sudan, combine niter kibbeh (a spiced, clarified butter with Ethiopian origins) infused rum with banana, pineapple, and lime, resulting in a unique tropical-style beverage.
Despite being a kosher establishment, Lehrhaus warmly welcomes guests of all backgrounds into its high-ceilinged, book-filled rooms. As Foer expressed to Boston.com, "One of the things that we're proud of is, this is not just a place for Jewish people. This is for everybody. Especially in a moment when there's so much anti-Semitism in the world, we're proud to have a place that shines and shows the world the best of us
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