Tired of the same old dining routine? Crave flavors that transport you to far-off lands? Then buckle up and set your GPS for Traveler’s Alehouse in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a passport for your palate, curated by owner Minh Tieu, a true world wanderer. At Traveler’s Alehouse, prepare to explore a menu as diverse as the continents themselves, offering a unique opportunity to “travel through your taste buds.”
From the moment you step inside, the travel theme envelops you. Walls adorned with world maps and passport stamps ignite a sense of wanderlust, prompting you to reminisce about past adventures and dream of future destinations. Globes, vintage suitcases, and airplane pictures further enhance the ambiance, creating a space that feels both familiar and excitingly exotic. Beyond the captivating décor, Traveler’s Alehouse boasts an inviting outdoor dining area and a vibrant, illuminated bar. However, the truly distinctive feature is the tabletops themselves – each one a detailed map of the world, inviting you to engage in a bit of geographical exploration while you dine.
If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Vietnam, look no further than the spring rolls. These aren’t your average spring rolls; they are a labor of love, meticulously hand-rolled daily by Minh’s mother using her cherished family recipe. Packed with a harmonious blend of chicken, pork, and fresh vegetables, these crispy delights are perfectly complemented by a delectable Asian chili sweet sauce. As Minh himself enthusiastically shares, “The spring rolls are housemade… a recipe comes from my mom… It’s a blend of chicken and pork and fresh veggies. When you bite into it, it’s nice and crunchy and hot. You really gotta come in and try the spring rolls. Everyone raves about them.”
Transitioning from East Asia to Italy (with an American twist), Traveler’s Alehouse’s brick oven pizzas are a must-try. They specialize in thin, crispy crusts and offer a range of toppings, from classic to creative. For a truly unique experience, venture into their specialty pizzas. The Burger Pizza is an adventurous fusion of two American staples. Imagine all the quintessential burger components – beef, bacon, pickle, onion, ketchup, and mustard – expertly arranged on a pizza. As described, “We were selling tons of burgers here, and we figured we’d just put it on top of a pizza. It actually tastes just like a burger, but in a pizza form.”
For those seeking bolder flavors, the Chipotle Cajun Steak Pizza is an absolute revelation. This pie is loaded with cheese, savory shaved steak, fiery banana peppers and jalapenos, crispy bacon, zesty Cajun seasoning, and a creamy chipotle aioli. The explosion of flavors is captivating: “You could taste the bacon, the banana peppers, the jalapenos, the Cajun seasoning, the chipotle aioli sauce they put on it, and with the cheese melts down. It’s a creamy texture with a kick and it’s delicious.”
Moving across continents to Portugal (and with a nod to its African connections), the Shrimp Mozambique is a vibrant and flavorful dish. Shrimp, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lemon, are enhanced with a touch of beer and served over rice with homemade potato chips and bell peppers. This dish is a testament to the global influences found at Traveler’s Alehouse. “In our area, there’s a lot of Portuguese community as well,” Minh explains, “We have our own little twist on it by serving it over like rice and chips.”
Returning to North American shores, the Fat Tuesday Fish Tacos showcase the freshest local haddock. Fried to crispy perfection with Cajun seasoning, the haddock is nestled in tacos with a colorful coleslaw, pickled red onions, and a zesty chipotle aioli. These tacos offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes, as described: “So your first bite into the fish tacos is a nice crunch to it. A little bit of spice from the aioli in the Cajun seasoning. And our chef here, put a twist on it with pickled red onions and rainbow coleslaw. It tastes really awesome.”
For comfort food that transcends borders, the Shepherd’s Pie at Traveler’s Alehouse is a hearty and soul-warming choice. Served piping hot in a giant crock, this classic dish is made with carrots, peas, corn, onions, and flavorful fresh ground beef, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a dish that truly embodies global comfort.
On a chilly day, nothing quite compares to a steaming bowl of Pho. Traveler’s Alehouse’s Pho is a testament to slow-cooked perfection, simmered for 12 hours to extract every ounce of flavor from the bone marrow. The rich and aromatic broth envelops rice noodles, thinly sliced top round beef, and tender beef brisket, finished with Thai basil, sliced jalapenos, and onions. It’s a truly “rich and salty and soothing” experience.
To complement your global feast, consider the Tequila Tower. This Instagram-worthy drink features four mini margaritas in an array of flavors: traditional, mango, blueberry coconut, and lavender. Perfect for sharing (responsibly!), the Tequila Tower is a conversation starter and a delightful way to sample different margarita variations. As noted, “This is one of those items that, when it comes out, every single table does one of two things, either they post it on Instagram, or they order one. This puts even the Eiffel Tower to shame.”
Traveler’s Alehouse in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination in itself. It’s a place where you can embark on a culinary adventure around the world without leaving your neighborhood. So, if you’re seeking a dining experience that’s both unique and delicious, make sure to add Traveler’s Alehouse to your must-visit list. Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized and your wanderlust ignited.
