Phantom Gourmet: Four Winds Pub In Lynn

LYNN - In the restaurant world, it's really true: you can't judge a book by its cover. If you never entered the doors of the unassuming Four Winds Pub & Grill in Lynn, you wouldn't know the magic that lies out back.

"It's sort of understated or underwhelming from the outside. You walk through the doors and they find this really warm, inviting place. You come in a little bit further and you see this beautiful waterfront," said owner Patrick DeBoever. "There's really nothing like it."

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When it comes to food, fun and a killer view, they've definitely got it going on. Located in Wyoma Square, Four Winds is an out-of-the-way place situated on Sluice Pond, or as it's referred to locally, Lake Lynnapasaukee.

Patrick has worked and owned top notch restaurants in Boston and beyond. So when this special spot became available, he grabbed it and converted what was once just a small local watering hole into a gorgeous waterfront spot with breathtaking views and outstanding eats.

"Like every local pub, we have burgers, we have steak tips, we just happen to have really great burgers and great steak tips. We focus on fresh, homemade. There is very little that comes in frozen and gets dropped in the deep fryer. We don't do that here."

When you're spending time at Four Winds, you've got to try the Candied Garlic Spare Ribs.

"We smoke them here in house and then we grill them," explained server Sarah Russo. "They come with this candied garlic sauce that is awesome, sticky. The dirtier the better, I think, when you are eating a rib. Typically, when we clear the tables, it is all bones and a lot of wet naps."

There are other southern inspired dishes lining the menu, like a Shrimp Po Boy drizzled with a tangy remoulade; or an overstuffed pulled pork sandwich, slathered in sauce and topped with crunchy slaw.

"The Carolina barbecue sauce is delicious," Sarah assured. "The pork is awesome and it also comes with the coleslaw right on the sandwich, which I personally love. Again, you have got that delicious bite where it is the smoked pork with the barbecue sauce, but then you have the crunch of the coleslaw."

For some flavors of Asia and the south in your mouth, she says order the smoked Hoisin Wings.

"I love chicken wings, so wherever I go I get them, and here they are amazing; another item that we smoke right here on the property."

The Asian influences continue right through the menu with Pineapple General Gao's Chicken; a Salad topped with crispy shrimp tempura; and some addictive Spring Rolls stuffed with shrimp, scallions, and a blend of mascarpone and cream cheese.

If you're hankering for some classic pub fare, you can go for a tasty flatbread topped with buffalo chicken, or just a good old burger topped with house smoked bacon and fried onions.

"It is just an extremely juicy burger that, when you bite into it, you have the crunch from the crispy fried onions, but you also have that juicy, run down your chin, messy deliciousness," Sarah said.

Some other popular choices include the trio of crispy haddock tacos drizzled with chipotle cream, and some of the best steak tips on the North Shore.

"The steak tips are different because we don't marinate them here. We do a signature dry rub, so they kind of have a little bit of a kick to them, very juicy," described Sarah.

With steak tips, spare ribs, burgers and a view, dinner here feels less like a meal and more like a getaway.

"People feel like they're on vacation because you are sitting on the water, or you are looking at this beautiful view, you are seeing the sunset," Sarah described. "It is just awesome."

You can find Four Winds at 265 Broadway in Lynn, and online at fourwindspub.com.

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