Mo’s Tavern & Kitchen – Coming Soon

Mo’s Tavern & Kitchen is a neighborhood gastropub in Brighton’s Oak Square from Damian and Candice Dowling, owners of The Abbey in Brookline and Cambridge. The tavern is named after both of their mothers, each named Maureen, or Mo for short. Its menu mirrors The Abbey’s eclectic offerings, with steak frites, deviled eggs, burgers, egg rolls, pork belly and bison bolognese, in a more casual, family-friendly setting.

The project took years to come together: the landlord approached Damian about reviving the long-vacant former Wildflower Pantry storefront, and he signed the lease before a liquor license was available, finally securing one years later. Damian, originally from just outside Dublin, opened the first Abbey in Brookline’s Washington Square in 2010 and a Porter Square location in 2014. The bright room was designed with high ceilings, exposed beams and an open kitchen, with seating for about 70 guests.

What to Know

• A 20-seat bar, which Damian calls the soul of the restaurant, anchors the dining room.
• Lunch and dinner are served daily, with the kitchen planned to stay open late every night.
• Kids’ options are made to order, including organic chicken fingers and hot dogs.
• The landlord supported the long wait for a liquor license with a rent reduction.