FALL RIVER -- Looking for a unique dining experience in Fall River?
A not-so-hidden Pleasant Street gem is getting ready to make its debut in the next couple of weeks, as a new speakeasy-themed restaurant and lounge offering a nod to the Prohibition era and throwback to the city's past.
For the past year, local foodies have been counting the days with anticipation until Counting House opens its doors in the historic Durfee-Union Mills complex. Spearheaded by owners Tina Soscia and Brian Corey, the restaurant has generated quite a buzz with its creative concept focused on upscale turn-of-the-century vibes with a modern twist.
Now the wait is over.
Following a friends and family-only event this Friday, Soscia confirmed that Counting House will finally be welcoming the public on Dec. 27, the Friday after Christmas.
"We had our first event and thanks to our amazing staff Everything went smoothly..... Our guests were happy thanks to our chefs the food was impeccable. Cheers to many more," Counting House shared on its Facebook page Monday, Dec. 16.
Soon you can stop in at 405 Pleasant St. and get a taste of their unique menu -- which spotlights an array of creative craft cocktails and drinks and tasty tapas-style fare -- enjoyed in an intimate setting that pays homage to Fall River's rich history, which helped shape the restaurant in both design and name.
Before its recent revival as a chic restaurant, the freestanding granite Pleasant Street building served as the counting house for workers in the Durfee mills on the late 1800s/early 1900s.
The old vault, which at one time held all the money for payments to workers in the textile mill complex, now serves as a centerpiece of their bar and holds the restaurant's high-end alcohol.
Coming soon: Unique new Fall River restaurant a nod to Prohibition era and city's industrial past
Inside the Counting House, which has undergone a complete transformation over the past year, patrons will find which Soscia has previously described as a new kind of gathering place with an "upscale, loungey vibe."
The 3,500-square-foot space features a bar with 30 seats, high tops, lounge areas with jewel-toned couches and chairs, chandeliers, and white marble tops for the tables and bar. There will also be a patio area in the front courtyard, with a space for live entertainment and a small, pop-up bar.
The menu will be drinks-driven -- craft cocktails, mocktails, espresso martinis, and Nitro coffee on tap -- complemented by plenty of "different exciting options" on the food side.
Guests can expect Portuguese- and Italian-inspired small, shareable plates -- from charcuterie boards to dips, cheese boards and dessert boards -- and classic cuisine "kicked up a bit," such as Portuguese marinated pork sliders tenderloin crostini with portobello mushrooms, and four-cheese baked gnocchi. You will also find late-night eats on their bar menu.
According to Soscia, plans include hosting a regular Sunday brunch, in addition to live entertainment on the weekends. However, brunches won't launch until 2025.
"We will not be doing our Sunday brunch until after the new year because we will be having private events on Sunday," Soscia said.
For updates on Counting House and a peek at their menu, which is not yet posted, check the Counting House website or visit their Facebook page.