Haute Secrets Boston: Dana Van Fleet, Owner of Cask ‘n Flagon Restaurants

Photo Credit: W. Marc Bernsau

Nearly 50 years ago, Cask ‘n Flagon made its debut near Fenway Park. Since then, the city’s most beloved restaurant has become a Red Sox fan favorite as the go-to sports bar for virtually any sports viewing. (We have included the Cask (as it is best known to locals) in several roundups, including Top 5 Places to Watch March Madness and Where to Watch the Patriots in Super Bowl L1).

Photo Credit: Cask ‘n Flagon

Sure, you will find ballpark favorites on the menu here, including heaping portions of beef nachos, crispy Buffalo wings and warm pretzels, but if you look closer, the real finds are uncovered with dishes like meatball Pomodoro apps, overstuffed pork belly tacos, juicy marinated steak tips, bowls of chicken stir fry and glazed salmon, not to mention their impressive selection of Texas style barbecue.

Photo Credit: Cask ‘n Flagon

We caught up recently with the Cask’s owner Dana Van Fleet to find out what he loves most about Boston.

Where were you born: Newton, MA

How long in Boston: 28 years

Neighborhood: Fenway and Marshfield

Occupation: Restaurant owner: Cask ‘n Flagon, with locations at Fenway in Boston and in Marshfield

Favorite Restaurant: Cracker P’s in Abaco, Bahamas

Best Sushi: Mandarin Tokyo in Marshfield

Best Italian: Tomatoes Italian Grill & Bar in Mashpee

Best Dessert: Mike’s Pastry

Best Place for a Romantic Date: Chart House

Best Sunday Brunch: West End Johnnie’s

Best Place for a Power Business Meeting: Abe & Louie’s

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Boston Marriott Copley Place

Favorite Shopping Area: Newbury Street

Favorite Place to Buy Jewelry/Watches: The Jeweler’s Building

Best Spa: Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Plymouth

Favorite Charity Event: Brant Rock Pub Crawl

Favorite Cultural Event: St. Patrick’s Day

Favorite Cultural Institution: Fenway Park

Best Steakhouse: The Capital Grille

Best Pizza: Lynwood Café in Randolph

Best Lunch: Legal Harborside

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: CrossFit

Best Massage: Mirbeau Inn & Spa

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Seaside Livery & Sedan Service

Best Museum/Exhibit: Museum of Fine Arts

Describe Boston in Three Words: History, Loyalty, Strong

Favorite Historic/Legendary Place to See or Explore: Fenway Park

All-Around Favorite Spot in Boston: Fenway Park

Best Aspect of Boston: The people who live and work in Boston make it one of the greatest cities in the world!