The Ultimate Guide to Restaurants and Bars at Encore Boston Harbor

Whether you’re craving a burger and beer or breakfast and a Bloody Mary, Encore has it all.

Since its grand debut in 2019, Encore Boston Harbor has attracted a host of regional and national hospitality veterans to open within its coveted doors. Though some of the original concepts remain, there’s been some newcomers to the luxury hotel and casino that emphasize the shiny, golden beacon as a destination in itself for date night or a longer staycation. 

There’s something for everyone here: One of the newest restaurants reflects Encore’s Wynn-backed Las Vegas roots as former Wynn executive turned co-founder and CEO of Carver Road Hospitality unveils Seamark Seafood & Cocktails off the main lobby. A more casual option is from Somerville-founded brewery Night Shift that features their Brewing Kitchen & Tap room alongside the casino floor. Meanwhile, the flagship Rare Steakhouse remains and is Massachusetts’ only restaurant registered to serve cuts verified by the Kobe Beef Federation (and one of less than 10 restaurants nationwide). 

From fast casual to high end haute cuisine, Encore offers it all. Here’s your definitive guide of where to snack, eat and drink whether you’re craving a burger and beer or breakfast and a Bloody Mary.

Breakfast at Giardino

A brand new concept from Frank DePasquale and Nick Varano (both already familiar with the Encore customer base through their two other concepts here), Breakfast at Giardino is a breakfast and lunch spot that combines traditional Italian dishes from antipasti to homemade pasta. The second floor eatery is bright and airy, designed to evoke the atmosphere of an Italian terrace surrounded by lush gardens. Opening June 2024; Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Center Bar

The name says it all: smack in the middle of the casino floor and under two grand staircases, this bar offers a front seat to the action, whether you’re gambling over video poker games or simply taking a break from the tables. Hours: Daily 2 p.m.–2 a.m.

Cheese Meet Wine

This charcuterie-forward restaurant features bountiful boards full of cured meats, tinned fish imported directly from Spain, and its namesake, cheese, as well as an impressive selection of Champagne, wine and after-dinner cordials. With imported meats hanging from the ceiling, the decor is not for the faint of heart, but the carnivorous diner will appreciate the dedication to the Euro-inspired wine bar. Hours: Friday and Saturday 4–11 p.m., Sunrise Menu Grab & Go Breakfast 7 a.m.–12 p.m.

Dunkin’

As if New Englanders needed another reason to celebrate the beloved Massachusetts brand, Encore’s outpost of Dunkin’ is open 24 hours a day. Expect all of the brand’s staples, from bagels and breakfast sandwiches to doughnuts and oversized iced coffees. The only thing unusual about this chain is its age limit — as a result of being on the casino floor, customers must be over 21 years old to access it. Hours: 24 hours daily.

Frank & Nick’s

North End-famed restaurateurs Frank DePasquale and Nick Varano bring a taste of Little Italy to Encore in the form of a fast-casual Italian experience within the WynnBET Sportsbook. It’s all about convenience here; customers can order at the counter, online or grab-and-go. Menu highlights include artisanal hot paninis, classic chicken parm, roast beef and whole pies inspired by Varano’s Rina’s Pizzeria. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

Fratelli

Another venture from DePasquale and Varano, Fratelli is more of an elevated dining room with a menu inspired by the Amalfi Coast. In addition to made-to-order pasta dishes, there’s fried and stuffed zucchini flowers, lobster fra diavolo, zuppa di pesce and risotto all Sorrentina. Wash it down with the duo’s Famous Espresso Martini built with Absolut Vanilla, Bailey’s, Kahlua, Frangelico, Disaronno, and espresso, with a raw sugar and cocoa rim; the utterly perfect drink for a casino. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 4 p.m.–12 a.m., Friday and Saturday 4 p.m.–2 a.m.

Mémoire

Spread over 8,000-square-feet, Encore’s signature nightclub accommodates up to 650 guests. There are plenty of bars for club-goers to order a la carte, but also room for 20 VIP tables, all under ornate chandeliers and regal accents. Mémoire’s Funktion One sound system was installed in order to host the best DJs with an ever-rotating guest list of world-renowned performers. Prospective guests should take note of the club’s dress code: resort elegant attire is required. Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 p.m.–2 a.m.

Mystique Asian Restaurant & Lounge

Designer Peter Niemitz transformed this 16,400-square-foot space into a multi-faceted dining area and lounge. The restaurant highlights traditional pan-Asian cuisine with appetizers like salt and pepper calamari, scallion pancakes and shareable plates like tik tok chicken, as well as Singapore street noodles. For a more casual outing, Mystique Lounge is a 94-seat salon that serves many of the same shareables in the presence of a live DJ every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Hours: Dining Room: Sunday through Thursday 5–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5–11 p.m. Bar & Lounge: Sunday through Thursday 5–11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.–2 a.m.

Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap

With more than 20 beers on tap, including one made especially for Encore Boston Harbor deemed Local Luck IPA, this Somerville-founded brewery is a must for a pint or two and comfort bar food. If you can’t decide on just one or two styles, Night Shift offers tasting flights which are an interactive way to learn more about the brand as well as try all they have to offer. There’s a full menu here, but the small bites like hot onion rings, truffle popcorn and jumbo pretzel are the best accompaniment for the hoppy pours. Hours: Friday and Saturday 5–11 p.m. Bar is open 5 p.m.–12 a.m.

Old Wives’ Tale

Tucked off Seamark Seafood & Cocktails, this cozy speakeasy is inspired by the majesty of the sea, featuring bespoke beverages from internationally renowned spirits expert Francesco Lafranconi of Carver Road Hospitality. Both the decor (globes, marine maps and anchors away) as well as (dried seaweed, oyster leaves) ingredients nod to New England’s seafaring history as well as various ports of call around the world. Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 6–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6 p.m.–2 a.m.

On Deck

The leather barstools, mahogany wood and fireplace elevate the feel of this all-American sports bar, making it a place for fans and the fair-weathered, alike. No matter who you’re rooting for (or if you’re rooting at all) On Deck’s 33 TVs and a bounty of typical game day comfort foods may entice you to post up here until close. Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Brunch Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Rare Lounge

After an overwhelming response for Encore’s flagship Rare Steakhouse, the team expanded with Rare Lounge, a more casual concept adjacent to its older sibling’s white tablecloths. The lounge is meant to offer a pre- and post-dinner venue for approachable, yet still elevated, snacks (sliders and a locally sourced raw bar) and nightcaps. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 5–11 p.m. Bar is open 4–11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.–12 a.m. Bar is open 4–12 a.m.

Rare Steakhouse

The name behind this steakhouse offers a nuanced peek into what’s available here — at first glance the title reflects the presentation of meat, but there’s so many awe-inspiring moments diners discover at Rare that contribute to its nomenclature. There’s Japanese Wagyu, including authentic Kobe beef from the Hyogo Prefecture, Sanuki olive beef from the Seto Inland Sea, and a 700-label wine list to impress even the fiercest epicurean. The gold-gilded dining room is definitely a swoon-worthy spot for date night, but also fit for friends’ celebrations or to close a business deal. Hours: Thursday through Sunday 5–10 p.m.

Red 8

Chef Kevin HanQing brings classic Chinese dishes to life at Encore with the likes of dim sum, wok tossed noodles and the delicacy of Peking duck that is served straight from the wood-fire oven. HanQing showcases quality both in his dishes and presentation – like the whole steamed fish or hand-pulled BBQ pork. Hours: Monday through Thursday 5–11 p.m., Friday 5 p.m.–2 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–12 a.m.

Seamark Seafood & Cocktails

Embodying a pier-to-plate ethos, James Beard Award-Winning Chef Michael Schlow respects New England’s seafood favorites, while championing a contemporary presentation for them. In addition to the classic seafood towers and raw bar, there’s lobster tostadas, spicy seafood stew, and new style fish and chips. One of the most famous items on the menu comes in the form of Chef’s self-titled patty — The Schlowburger is served with cheddar, crispy onions and horseradish-black pepper. Hours: Monday through Thursday 5–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.–2 a.m., Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Shake Shack 

Just like its doughnut counterpart at Dunkin’, this casino-floor burger joint is unique in its 21-plus regulation for ordering a patty. Other than that, expect the same roadside burgers made with 100 percent Angus beef that the chain is known for, complete with an order of crinkle fries. There’s also craft beer and wine available. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

WynnBET Sportsbook 

This is the first-ever sports betting venue to be licensed in the Bay State (in December 2022). There’s a sprawling, full-service bar surrounded by more than 70 televisions, including a 123-foot-long video wall. Betters can also choose to refuel by ordering from fast food outposts on the floor — Shake Shack and Frank & Nick’s. Hours: Venue 12 p.m.–2 a.m. Betting windows: Monday through Friday 3–11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.