Melrose Restaurant Rises Again (While Another Takes A Break)

MELROSE, MA — The Rising Eagle has reopened its doors nearly two years after the pandemic turned the lights out of one of the city's most unique dining spots.

"WE. ARE. BACK." That's what the restaurant announced Wednesday on Facebook, and sure enough, by nighttime it looked like it never left.

The Eagle opened with great expectations but poor timing: The restaurant focused on social dining opened a month November of 2019 B.C. — Before COVID.

But it's been dark since March 2020, no fires roaring or people mingling, save for some workers from its sister restaurant across the street at Turner's.

This time the timing is much better, as Turner's is closing for at least a few weeks for renovations.

A bit has changed at the Eagle, which fancies itself something of an old-school public house — or pub. Patrons can now walk straight to their tables, open the menu through their phone by scanning a QR code, order as they go and pay through their phone. People who want to pay with cash can still do so.