If you’re driving through central Massachusetts and find yourself on High Street, you’ve probably seen the industrial-chic glow of Clintons Bar & Grille. Honestly, for a town like Clinton, this place feels like a bit of an outlier. It’s not your typical greasy spoon or a "standard" townie pub where the floor is sticky and the only thing on tap is light lager.
It’s upscale. Sorta.
People often go in expecting a basic burger joint because of the name, but the clinton bar and grill menu is actually a weirdly ambitious mix of high-end steakhouse vibes and "pizza on the grill" comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can order a $125 Japanese A5 Wagyu Sirloin Strip or a $14 cheese pizza, and nobody looks at you funny for doing either.
The "Bread and Butter" Situation (Literally)
Before you even look at the actual menu, you need to know about the bread. Most regulars will tell you—and they aren't lying—that the complimentary bread is a highlight. They serve it warm with a specific oil, cheese, and seasoning blend. It’s dangerous. You'll want to eat three baskets, but don't. You need room for the Prime Ribeye.
Steak, Chops, and the High-End Stuff
If you're here for a "nice" dinner, the Steak & Chop section is where the heavy hitters live. They don't mess around with the sourcing here. We're talking Brandt Prime Beef.
The 20oz Brandt Ribeye ($76) is a monster. It’s usually served over a Gorgonzola Mac & Cheese that is aggressively rich. If you aren't a fan of "stinky" cheese, you might want to ask for a swap, but honestly, the funk of the Gorgonzola against the char of a 20oz steak is a pairing most people sleep on.
For the "I just got a promotion" or "I'm apologizing for something" nights, there’s the 10oz Wagyu Sirloin Strip. At $125, it’s easily the most expensive thing in the building. Is it worth it? If you've never had A5 Wagyu, it’s basically like eating beef-flavored butter. It’s an experience.
Other notable proteins:
- 10oz Filet Mignon ($62): Served with horseradish mashed potatoes and a red wine reduction. The horseradish has a kick, but it’s not "clear your sinuses" strong.
- Berkshire Pork Chop ($32): These are massive. Truly. They’re often thick-cut and juicier than the dry chops you’re used to at Sunday dinner.
- Rack of Lamb ($57): Served with lentils and Greek yogurt, which gives it a Mediterranean vibe that feels very different from the rest of the steak-heavy list.
Why the Pizza is "Genuinely Different"
Usually, when a steakhouse puts pizza on the menu, it’s a frozen afterthought for kids. Not here. They do Pizza on the Grill, and the texture is the selling point. It’s thin, charred, and has that specific "snap" you only get from high-heat grilling.
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The Roasted Beet Pizza ($17) is the one that gets the most "what is that?" looks. It has caramelized onions, aged balsamic, fresh figs, whipped goat cheese, and julienne pear. It’s sweet, salty, and earthy. It’s definitely not a "pepperoni and peppers" vibe, though you can get a Brick Oven Pepperoni for $16 if you want to keep it classic.
They also have a Gluten Free Pizza ($17) option, which is a big deal for the Celiac crowd in the Worcester area since good GF crust that isn't cardboard is hard to find.
Seafood and Pasta Highlights
You wouldn’t necessarily expect a "Bar and Grill" to excel at risotto, but the Potato Chip Encrusted Haddock ($29) is served over an asparagus risotto that holds its own. The potato chip crust adds a saltiness and crunch that works better than traditional breading.
Then there’s the Swordfish Oreganata ($49). This is a center-cut swordfish served with lobster risotto. It’s heavy, it’s luxurious, and it’s probably the most "coastal" dish they offer.
On the pasta side:
- Lobster Filled Ravioli ($24): It comes in a tomato sherry bisque. It’s rich. Very rich.
- Chicken Marsala ($25): They use fresh penne and a light mushroom cream sauce.
- Chicken Parm ($20-$25): A staple. Huge portions. You’ll take half of it home in a box.
Lunch and the "Classic 10oz Burger"
Lunch is a bit more approachable. The Black Pastrami Sandwich ($16) on a pretzel roll with Dijon mustard is a local favorite.
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But the 10oz Angus Burger ($22) is the midday king. It comes on a brioche bun with the standard fixings, but the quality of the beef is what sets it apart. It’s not a thin "smash" burger; it’s a thick, juicy, pub-style patty that requires multiple napkins.
The "What to Know Before You Go" Logistics
Look, it gets loud. The vibe is industrial—lots of hard surfaces—so if you’re looking for a quiet, whispered conversation, maybe don't go on a Friday night when the bar is packed.
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Note: The kitchen usually stops taking orders about 30 minutes before the doors close.
It’s located at 27 High Street, Clinton, MA. Parking can be a bit of a hunt on High Street during peak times, so give yourself an extra five minutes to find a spot.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Make a Reservation: Especially for dinner. It’s the "upscale" spot in town, and it fills up fast. You can usually do this via Toast or their website.
- The "Secret" Bread: If they don't bring the bread out immediately, ask. It’s the best part of the pre-meal experience.
- Split the Steak: The 20oz Ribeye is plenty for two people, especially if you grab an appetizer like the Lobster Mac & Cheese ($16) or the Truffled Pan Seared Scallops ($12).
- Check the Specials: They often have seasonal drink menus. Their wine list is surprisingly deep for a local grille, so ask for the "full" list if you're a fan of reds with your steak.
Whether you're there for a $20 burger or a $125 Wagyu, just know that you aren't walking into a "light bites" kind of place. Come hungry. Bring a jacket (it can get drafty near the door). And definitely don't skip the risotto.
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To make the most of your trip, check their current seasonal rotations on the official menu before heading out, as they do occasionally tweak the sides based on what's fresh.