This past March, on an abnormally warm day, I passed by the Shanty, formerly known as the Shanty Rose, on Town Wharf in Plymouth. Much to my dismay, it was fenced in with an excavator leveling the building entirely. Although I did not frequent the Shanty often, I was sad to see it go. The Shanty (Rose) was a rough and tumble little gem in otherwise touristy Town Wharf.
The Shanty had solid seafood options on their menu. The building was small and a little dark inside, but unlike most dives, it was just across the pier from the ocean. For a buck, you could roll for a Yahtzee, and an underwear-clad George Constanza greeted you in the surprisingly kept-up bathroom.
Dining at the Shanty Rose
The Shanty Rose opened in 2011 and expanded a few years ago, adding a true dining room. Then, as Plymouth’s popularity continued to boom, it was purchased by a local restaurant group, the same one that owns the massive Tavern on the Wharf next door as well as Proof 22 on Main Street. I enjoy Tavern on the Wharf, which has a great deal on oysters and an excellent and diverse menu. Proof 22 is a good spot too, kind of like a more grown-up version of T-Bones. Both restaurants served BBQ in a country bar setting.
I enjoy both of those places as well as I did the Shanty. The Shanty Rose, though, was much different from the sister restaurants. It still felt authentic, divey, towny, if you will, whereas the other two do not.
Running by the Shanty in wreckage made me sad. It was the little bar that could, among tourist favorites such as Cabby Shack and East Bay Grille. I hypothesized that the back bar of the Tavern on the Wharf would either expand or add further outdoor seating where the Shanty was. The back bar of the Tavern is a cool spot. It’s roomy with a large bar top and completely separate from the restaurant.
The Shanty: The Next Chapter
In trying to get to the bottom of the reason why the Shanty was razed, I came upon a bit of information saying that the Shanty will be back in a few short months! With higher ceilings, they plan to reopen before the swell of the summertime rush. It seemed to be a tall order, but every time I pass by the Shanty, it’s further along in its rebuild. I welcome its return!
