Gloucester restaurants readying creative outdoor spaces along the west end of Main Street downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts
Tonno 2 Main Street 978-879-4795

My View of Life on the Dock
Gloucester restaurants readying creative outdoor spaces along the west end of Main Street downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts

Gloucester restaurants readying creative outdoor spaces along the west end of Main Street downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts









I noticed the open window because a bird hopped in. I didn’t stop to see what ensued but I was reminded about a GMG reader question: Who remembers Cher Ami and homing pigeons of Gloucester?

There’s a 2nd little pane missing on the Main Street side.
What’s in a name?
The 1810 brick building, Gloucester’s first, at the corner of 2 Main and 3 Washington Streets, now features Tonno Restaurant. The exterior has remained relatively unchanged since it was built in 1810 by Col. James Tappan. On the inside it’s been mixed use more often than not (various businesses, restaurants and lodgings). As a result it’s gone through a lot of rebranding: Puritan House, Tappan’s Hotel, Atlantic House, and Capt Bills are a few of the names associated with this historic structure. The Blackburn Tavern signs were added in 1978 for a restaurant.
Still Standing
The brick building at the other end of Main Street with Halibut Point Restaurant & Pub was Howard Blackburn’s actual tavern.


Fun fact: Col. Tappan taught young Daniel Webster.
Tono Restaurant owner is on hand to review plans. Amazing how far they have progressed. The back room has a new red brick tile floor. The front room is stating to be framed in.
See Link to Boston Magazine
Future Home of Tonno Restaurant