You’ve probably seen it a thousand times while driving down Railroad Avenue in South Hamilton. That unassuming, rustic exterior that looks like it’s been there since the dawn of time. If you’re a local, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The Weathervane Tavern is one of those places that feels like the living room of the town, yet it’s shrouded in this weird layer of "if you know, you know" mystery.
Honestly, it’s kinda rare to find a spot that manages to stay so consistently packed in a town as posh as Hamilton without actually charging a fortune. It’s basically a time capsule.
But there’s a lot of confusion out there. People mix it up with the big seafood chain from Maine. Or they think it’s just another "dilapidated watering hole" (a phrase that once sparked a local feud, but we'll get to that). The reality is that the Weathervane Tavern in Hamilton, MA is a survival story of a family business that refused to change when the rest of the world went corporate.
The Beef with the Boston Globe
Let’s talk about the drama. You wouldn't think a cozy tavern in a quiet town would be the center of a media spat, but back in 2015, things got spicy. A Boston Globe critic wrote a review that described the building's transformation from a "dilapidated watering hole called Maione’s" into what it is today.
People in Hamilton? They didn't take that sitting down.
The son of the former owner, Theodore W. Maione, actually demanded an apology. It turns out, locals are fiercely protective of the tavern’s history. Before it was the Weathervane, it was Maione’s Restaurant, a place where people actually grew up. When Paul Thober took over and opened the Weathervane Tavern in April 1980, he wasn't just opening a business; he was taking over a community pillar.
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It’s that kind of deep-rooted history that makes the place feel different. You aren't just a "customer" there. You’re sitting in a building that has seen decades of town hall gossip, post-game celebrations, and probably a few too many secrets shared over a pint.
Why the Food Hits Different
If you’re looking for micro-greens and foam, keep driving to Beverly or Salem. That’s not what we’re doing here. The menu is unapologetically American.
I’m talking about marinated sirloin tips that actually taste like they’ve been soaking for days. They are legendary. Ask anyone who lives within ten miles of the Hamilton-Wenham line.
- The Clam Chowder: People swear it’s the best in Essex County. It’s thick, but not "flour-thick." It actually tastes like clams.
- The Steak Tips: They’re the heavy hitter. Char-grilled, juicy, and served in a portion size that makes you question if you can finish it (you will).
- The Haddock: Whether it’s the fish and chips or the baked haddock, it’s fresh. We’re near the coast, after all.
One thing that confuses people is the "Weathervane" name. There is a "Weathervane Seafood" chain based in Kittery, Maine, which has closed a bunch of locations recently due to "economic conditions." The Weathervane Tavern in Hamilton is not that. It’s independent. It’s family-owned. It didn't get caught up in the corporate closures that hit the Maine chain in 2015 and 2025.
The Vibe: No Frills, Just Vibes
The interior is small. It’s rustic. And yeah, it’s usually noisy.
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If you go on a Friday night, expect a wait. It’s one of those places where the bar is the heart of the room, and the seating is tight. But that’s the point. It’s the opposite of a sterile, modern restaurant. There’s a warmth to it that comes from the staff—some of whom, like the famously attentive Mary, have been there long enough to know your order before you sit down.
It’s the kind of place where a multimillionaire from a nearby horse farm sits next to a local contractor, and nobody cares.
Addressing the "Closing" Rumors
Every few years, a rumor starts that the Weathervane is closing. Usually, this happens because someone sees a news headline about the other Weathervane (the seafood chain) shuttering spots in New Hampshire or Maine.
As of 2026, the Weathervane Tavern at 85 Railroad Ave is still a staple.
However, it’s worth noting that the town of Hamilton has been looking at "beautification" and redevelopment for Railroad Avenue for years. Back in 2019, Paul Thober was even involved in discussions with the Hamilton Development Corporation about adding sidewalks and better lighting to the area. He’s been a vocal advocate for keeping the downtown area functional for businesses while maintaining that small-town feel.
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What You Need to Know Before You Go
Don’t just roll up with a party of ten on a Saturday and expect a table immediately.
- Reservations: They are highly recommended. This isn't a "huge" restaurant. It’s intimate.
- The Price Point: Honestly, it’s a bargain. In a "posh" neighborhood like Hamilton, finding a $20-something steak tip dinner that actually fills you up is a win.
- Parking: It can be a pain. Railroad Ave is tight. There’s parking, but you might have to walk a block or two.
- The Schedule: They are usually closed on Sundays. Always check before you drive out.
Actionable Next Steps
If you've never been, or if it’s been a few years since your last visit, here is how to do the Weathervane right.
First, call ahead. Don't rely on a website or a third-party app for reservations; do it the old-fashioned way. Second, go for the steak tips. Even if you’re a seafood person, the marinade is something you have to experience at least once.
Lastly, take a second to look at the photos on the walls. The tavern is a living museum of Hamilton’s local history. Supporting places like this is basically a vote for keeping the character of the North Shore alive.
Check their current hours on Railroad Avenue and make sure you’re looking at the Hamilton, MA location, not the Weymouth golf club or the Maine seafood shacks. This is the original local haunt, and it’s still the best place for a "no-nonsense" meal in town.