Clementine to Replace Garrison House in Brookline
A new bar and restaurant is set to take over the space at 6 Harvard Square.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dining Out
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Following the closure of the Garrison House, a new venue called Clementine is planned for the Brookline location. A town hearing regarding the necessary liquor license transfer is scheduled for October 21, 2026.
Why it matters
The transition marks a change in the local dining scene at 6 Harvard Square, which has hosted the two-story Garrison House since it opened in late 2021.
The acquisition of the liquor license and furniture at the site cost $315,000. Clementine is designed with 128 indoor seats and 32 outdoor seats, with plans to operate until 1 a.m. on weekends.
The players
Mathew Freid
Mathew Freid is a hospitality entrepreneur who previously owned the Idle Hour establishment in Quincy.
Garrison House
Garrison House is a two-story restaurant and pub that has occupied the space at 6 Harvard Square since late 2021.
Clementine
Clementine is the new bar and eatery concept planned for the former Garrison House location in Brookline.
The details
The new operator is currently seeking an entertainment license to host music and shows at the venue. Clementine will occupy the same two-story footprint as the previous restaurant, which included both an upstairs pub and a downstairs lounge.
Timeline
Mathew Freid owned a business in Quincy from 2017 to 2024.
Garrison House began operations at the site in late 2021.
The town will hold a hearing on the liquor license transfer on October 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
The introduction of Clementine reflects the ongoing evolution of neighborhood dining spaces in urban areas. This shift follows the standard regulatory process mandated by the Brookline Select Board's liquor license renewal and transfer oversight policies.
Residents can expect changes to the dining and entertainment offerings at 6 Harvard Square once the new establishment completes its licensing process. The planned 1 a.m. weekend hours may also adjust the nightlife footprint in the immediate area.
The takeaway
Changes in local restaurant ownership often provide an opportunity for new dining concepts to refresh community gathering spaces. Readers should monitor upcoming town hearings to track how new venues will impact local neighborhood operations.
What happens next
A town hearing is scheduled for October 21, 2026, to review and potentially approve the liquor license transfer.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving food landscape in the area, visit Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brookline.
Live Poll
Do you welcome the transition of long-standing local restaurants into new nightlife concepts in your area?
