During the American Civil War, horse drawn stagecoaches brought news of events from far away locations. Townspeople gathered bits and pieces of information reported by the driver and passengers as the journey progressed. On one such occasion, there was news that in the Battle of Bull Run in Virginia, all was not going well for the North.
A political argument ensued in our Taproom. In those days, a lusty brawl was great sport for all, and when the scuffling ended, there was no one left standing except the burly bartender. Just then, a latecomer rushed through the door and breathlessly asked: "What news of the battle?" The bemused bartender is reputed to have replied: "We just fought the Battle of Bull Run right here!"
A political argument ensued in our Taproom. In those days, a lusty brawl was great sport for all, and when the scuffling ended, there was no one left standing except the burly bartender. Just then, a latecomer rushed through the door and breathlessly asked: "What news of the battle?" The bemused bartender is reputed to have replied: "We just fought the Battle of Bull Run right here!"
Services
Order our Bull Run Gift Cards online below, in person or by phone. Gift cards will be mailed out within 3 business days of purchase. Redeemable for food, beverage, concert tickets or retail items at Bull Run exclusively. To use the card, present it at the time of purchase; any available balance will be applied toward your purchase.
Step back in time and relax in the authentic atmosphere of this centuries old Tavern that was the first stop on the Boston-to-Albany stagecoach route along "The Great Road" in Colonial days. Our Tavern is the heart and soul of Bull Run, and we encourage you to enjoy what we call "Boots Off Comfort."
In 1946 post-war Shirley, 31-year-old Lee Guercio first peered through the windows of a tiny tavern on Great Road. Little did he know that 75 years and three generations later, his vision of operating a "little joint" would joyfully continue. While the Tavern has stood for centuries, the longest running ownership has been in our family.
In mid-March of 2020, the whole world stood frozen in an eerie present. The pandemic meant the engine of our 74-year-old family business screeched to a halt and the road ahead was unknowable on a scale we'd never felt. Within 48 hours, our management team had put together a plan for Phase One that involved a complete overhaul of our operations.
The Bull Run will continue to offer for purchase quality meats, seafood & produce as well as all items we make in house such as sauces, dressings, hummus & our Bull Run Cheese Dip. We will NO LONGER SELL: household products, baking goods, cleaning items. Please note: IF a specific brand is out of stock, we will give you a comparably priced brand.
Reviews (30)
Pink G.
Jan 25, 2022
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Hannah Padula
Jan 20, 2022
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I absolutely love this place. Their food is delicious!! The location is beautiful, with the bridge over the river in the back.. and the building you eat in was built in 1740 I believe. I got the Prime Rib dinner, it came with a twice baked potato(to die for), butternut squash, and a pop over. I also got a very yummy appetizer, Italian wine & my date got a few margaritas. Everything so good!!
Jayna Dinz
Jan 16, 2022
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This is our go-to for a special night out. The restaurant is huge and so are the portions. The waitstaff is always friendly and will offer suggestions if you are stumped or can't decide. They are often packed and we've been able to show up and get seated after a very reasonable (or no) wait. The food is delicious, the drinks are delicious, the dessert is delicious. The menu is a bit on the smaller side for variety - but they do a fantastic job - I think they prefer to do great at a smaller list vs being too diverse.
The atmosphere is friendly and on the noisier side..but it can still be romantic
The atmosphere is friendly and on the noisier side..but it can still be romantic
Lori D.
Jan 01, 2022
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Ryan H.
Dec 31, 2021
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Used to be a local legend. Locally sourced ingredients, nostalgic and awesome music are a few reasons I liked Bull Run but I'm really curious as to why an establishment would impose a discriminatory measure such as requiring patrons to disclose their medical history to enter a show. This is unlawful and inhuman . Not to mention, v@x or no v@x you can still transmit the virus .
Krystle Govoni
Dec 17, 2021
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We just got married here. We are from the area but live in Washington now and wanted to go back for our wedding to avoid the financial burden of flying and housing our guests. We are BEYOND fortunate to have found Amanda. She was an absolute angel (I told her that multiple times throughout the evening)! We were able to plan the entire thing from 3k miles away without ever having met her and it was relatively stress free...she did literally everything!!! Every time I had a question and started to stress her answer was almost always "I'll take care of that". She made our dream wedding possible on
Craig D.
Dec 06, 2021
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Located in a historic building, the vibe and atmosphere is that of a tavern with friendly staff and attentive service. Fireplaces radiate warmth and a live music played.
The meal was very good and they have been consistent. The huckleberry chicken was perfectly cooked with broccolini, kale and roasted onions that were wonderful. The polenta was a little dry but tasty. My wife had the seafood haddock that she really enjoyed with the only critique that the potatoes were mushy, but overall enjoyed it.
Moved to the bar after dinner and had great service with a friendly atmosphere.
The covered bridge
The meal was very good and they have been consistent. The huckleberry chicken was perfectly cooked with broccolini, kale and roasted onions that were wonderful. The polenta was a little dry but tasty. My wife had the seafood haddock that she really enjoyed with the only critique that the potatoes were mushy, but overall enjoyed it.
Moved to the bar after dinner and had great service with a friendly atmosphere.
The covered bridge
John Maloney
Nov 17, 2021
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Rosemary John M.
Oct 25, 2021
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Enjoy the Everly Brothers show and dinner at the Bull Run Restaurant  in Shirley Mass last evening. The seafood stuffed Haddock dinner was Delicious. The staff  couldn't have been more gracious. Their safety during this Covid time could not have been better they really care about their patrons and employees. We will be going back.
Highly Recommend.
John & Rosie MacDonald
Highly Recommend.
John & Rosie MacDonald
Stephanie G.
Oct 17, 2021
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Jay Bousquet
Oct 14, 2021
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My wife and I have ordered food to go twice this week. Their food is AMAZING!! Friday night we had the Scallop and Shrimp Scampi, and the Fish and Chips. Both were great servings and delicious! Tonight we had the Slow cooked Turkey Dinner with a side of Lobster Bisque. Again the servings were plentiful and delicious! We hope to dine in sometime to take in the great location with the great meal!
Paige B.
Oct 04, 2021
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I am torn because I loved the food and our server Ashley, but overall did not find the Bull Run to live up to expectations family had given me when recommending it.
Went on a Saturday around 6pm with my husband (who has recently transitioned out of the military and never lived in Massachusetts before). The host was an older gentleman who seemed flustered by us not having reservations. A woman who was working kept trying to ask if there was a way to fit us in and I felt like the male host kept speaking over her. At one point he looked at my husband and I and said "never come in without reservations
Went on a Saturday around 6pm with my husband (who has recently transitioned out of the military and never lived in Massachusetts before). The host was an older gentleman who seemed flustered by us not having reservations. A woman who was working kept trying to ask if there was a way to fit us in and I felt like the male host kept speaking over her. At one point he looked at my husband and I and said "never come in without reservations
Jim L.
Sep 19, 2021
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We dined outdoors and had made a Saturday reservation a week in advance.
Absolutely excellent Seafood Haddock (2) , Fish n' Chips and Mahi dinners with shared Lava Cake for dessert.
Ashley was a most competent, efficient and pleasant server.
Our friends thought it was well worth their two hour drive from Revere. We all look forward to a return visit.
We were quite comfortable with their outdoor seating arrangement.
Absolutely excellent Seafood Haddock (2) , Fish n' Chips and Mahi dinners with shared Lava Cake for dessert.
Ashley was a most competent, efficient and pleasant server.
Our friends thought it was well worth their two hour drive from Revere. We all look forward to a return visit.
We were quite comfortable with their outdoor seating arrangement.
Forks & Photos Forks & Photos
Sep 15, 2021
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Quaint, rustic setting with very good service and great food. A staple of the Ayer/Shirley community and beautiful spot for gatherings. I’ve eaten here several times and am always very pleased. Today we had brunch and it was awesome. If you are anywhere in this neck of the woods, make it a point to visit the Guerico family dining called Bull Run.
John R.
Sep 10, 2021
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Went here for a Carbon Leaf concert. As a music venue I really enjoyed the venue. It was table seating and sound and view of the show was great even being in the back row of tables. Tickets were reasonable with a $10/$15 per ticket for/drink purchase requirement per seat depending on location. Tables just across front of stage for 2 rows are $15.
At a restaurant level the food we had from the special concert menu was very good. The Angry Bull wings were very good. The hot sauce is on the side and very tasty. I got ranch, hate blue cheese. Mushroom lover pizza was superb and the clam chowder was
At a restaurant level the food we had from the special concert menu was very good. The Angry Bull wings were very good. The hot sauce is on the side and very tasty. I got ranch, hate blue cheese. Mushroom lover pizza was superb and the clam chowder was
Justin C.
Sep 08, 2021
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Karen S.
Sep 07, 2021
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We recently went to Bull Run for a John Mayall concert which was amazing. However, apart from maybe three people in the audience, nobody wore a face covering. The staff didn't either. It particularly bothered me when the waitress came within 2 feet of my face, I could feel her breath on my face, and took my order. There were several hundred people I'm guessing in an enclosed space without face masks and for that reason I wont be returning.
Amie Humphrey Facendola
Aug 31, 2021
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The Bull Run is a classic and a gem. The building is SO old and so cool. I highly recommend visiting if for no other reason than to hang out in a really old building. But also the food from the restaurant is delicious, turkey dinner anyone? All the staff are dedicated to good service and quite friendly. And, and, and, the Bull Run is a great music venue. Book a table and bring all your friends! If you live in the area, you have no excuse for not visiting and if you don't, it's worth a trip.
Jennifer Nickerson
Aug 18, 2021
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Mark Muise
Jul 28, 2021
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Finally after moving to the surrounding area about 16 minutes away from my home I finally found hands down the best restaurant these areas have to offer very exceptional waitresses polite always asking how we were doing and tending our needs and the food wow so fresh and amazing tastes plus the old building as a carpenter I appreciated the detail and history of the place was in the atmosphere highly recommend place thank you for a great experience can not wait to my next visit
Becky M.
Jul 15, 2021
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This is our first time visiting this restaurant, our friends recommended it to us. We were seated in the back dining room where the band was playing, who was wonderful! We were immediately greeted by our server, Luke, who was very pleasant. Unfortunately the rest of the evening only went downhill.
My boyfriend and I each ordered an appetizer, the clam chowder for me and the calamari for him. He said that his was ok, mine was also ok. The only problem was that our appetizers came out 20 minutes after our friends. We then received our meals less than 5 minutes after receiving our appetizers. We
My boyfriend and I each ordered an appetizer, the clam chowder for me and the calamari for him. He said that his was ok, mine was also ok. The only problem was that our appetizers came out 20 minutes after our friends. We then received our meals less than 5 minutes after receiving our appetizers. We
Danielf Ferguson
Jul 01, 2021
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Dave P.
May 23, 2021
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Leah P.
Apr 22, 2021
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I would give four and a half stars if I could. I loved the menu, the plating, the ambiance, the service, and even the way this place smells is wonderful. I had the short rib and polenta fries which I loved and the oat bar with ice cream for dessert. I cannot remember my main dish but it came with risotto. Please, please, please learn to make risotto better. It should be creamy, cheesy, and comforting. I had to take a star off for it because I couldn't eat it. This is a great place for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner. Highly recommend!
Emily F.
Apr 17, 2021
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I come here for the prime rib. It can be hit or miss sometimes, but it's my favorite thing at The Bull Run. Love the atmosphere in the tavern, so cozy and warm in colder dreary days. The holiday buffets here were amazing and I hope they come back eventually. Love when someone is on the piano for the night.
Kevin B.
Nov 16, 2020
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Our first visit to this charming restaurant and we can't wait to return. Our waitress was amazing! Friendly and informative. We were very impressed at how well they adhered to social distancing rules, all wearing masks, food covered as its brought out, and seating between customers was very spread out. The level of kindness from staff was top notch.
Large portions justify the prices. We started with clam chowder and lobster bisque. The chowder was perfect. The bisque was a little too sour, like they got carried away with the lemon. But if not for that, it would have been excellent, as
Large portions justify the prices. We started with clam chowder and lobster bisque. The chowder was perfect. The bisque was a little too sour, like they got carried away with the lemon. But if not for that, it would have been excellent, as
Nancy B.
Nov 08, 2020
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The girl who took our reservation never put down the covered bridge we requested for our anniversary so they tried to seat us on the patio but I spoke up and let they know we booked this a month ago so We ended up sitting outside in the covered bridge. The food was excellent but we were very disappointed they didn't even acknowledge our anniversary or write like happy anniversary on our dessert . Nothing :( It felt like a regular weekend that we just went out to eat for dinner . Very disappointing!
David V.
Dec 26, 2019
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Ate here once. Pretty good. Had trouble finding a parking space.
Tried to visit again but the place is closed Mon. and Tue.
Visited on Thu. 2 PM should be open but closed till 4 PM.
Never can be sure this place is open.
Again, can't find a parking space. Front parking is either 5 min.
only or handicapped.
I give up.
Tried to visit again but the place is closed Mon. and Tue.
Visited on Thu. 2 PM should be open but closed till 4 PM.
Never can be sure this place is open.
Again, can't find a parking space. Front parking is either 5 min.
only or handicapped.
I give up.
Joe C.
Apr 24, 2019
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Charm
We had a wonderful time at the Bull Run. The food was okay, fresh ingredients, tasty but not the most memorable meal, however definitely a good quality-price ratio and a good drink selection and plenty of beers on tap. What was most enjoyable was the overall atmosphere of the place, welcoming staff, friendly patrons, real nostalgia.
Two entrees, two apps, and some drinks. Your looking at 100 bucks.
Our next trip will include a live music show which they have a very intimate setup. In the end, they saved us from hanging with the family on Easter.
Thanks
We had a wonderful time at the Bull Run. The food was okay, fresh ingredients, tasty but not the most memorable meal, however definitely a good quality-price ratio and a good drink selection and plenty of beers on tap. What was most enjoyable was the overall atmosphere of the place, welcoming staff, friendly patrons, real nostalgia.
Two entrees, two apps, and some drinks. Your looking at 100 bucks.
Our next trip will include a live music show which they have a very intimate setup. In the end, they saved us from hanging with the family on Easter.
Thanks
Jerry C.
Mar 31, 2018
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It's been a few years since I've been to the Bull Run for a show and last night was a wake-up call. First off Adam Ezra Group was outstanding- didn't know anything about them as we went with friends. Look them up! The historic Bull Run (serving thirsty travelers since 1740!) is a throw-back place. It's been owned and run by the same family since the 1940's. (Gotta keep these centuries straight!)
Going here was a wake-up call because I'd forgotten how special a live music performance is in a small place. The sound was just right- not deafeningly loud and clear. The
Going here was a wake-up call because I'd forgotten how special a live music performance is in a small place. The sound was just right- not deafeningly loud and clear. The
