Built in 1757, the historic Josiah Smith Tavern is located in the heart of Weston, Massachusetts. A tavern for 80 years and then a residence for three generations of the Jones family, the beautifully restored former tavern houses the offices of three local non-profit organizations. The Ballroom and two Tap Rooms are now available to rent for private functions. The building is managed by the Friends of the Josiah Smith Tavern (JST).
An Evening of Colonial Dance – Lecture and Lesson!
Thursday, February 12, 6:30pm
Spaces
The Ballroom
The beautiful ballroom with rose colored walls, arched ceiling, two decorative fireplaces, wonderful acoustics, and windows on three sides spans the width of the second floor of the Josiah Smith Tavern. This airy room looks out on the Weston Town Green and the First Parish Church housing a bell made by Paul Revere. A magnificent site for receptions, performances, exhibitions, and other events reminiscent of earlier days.
- Room is 52′ x 19′ (1,000 square feet) with adjacent foyer
- Accommodates up to 49 people on the entire second floor
- Adjacent kitchenette with sink, small refrigerator, countertops, and outlets for warming appliances for catering services
The Front Tap Room
On entering the Josiah Smith Tavern, one immediately sees The Front Tap Room on the left. This space with the original bar and decorative fireplace once was the heart of the Tavern. Windows fill the space with sunlight, or it can be a cozy environment in the evening. Small group meals, meetings, lectures, or other intimate gatherings suit this environment. The beautiful South Patio surrounded by garden flowers can be used for additional seating or a cocktail party and has a path to the main gardens and pergola.
- Room is 19’x12′
- Kitchenette on the second floor with sink, small refrigerator, countertops, and outlets for warming appliances for catering services
The Back Tap Room
Behind The Front Tap Room is the original colonial kitchen for the tavern called The Back Tap Room. The large hearth and built in brick oven are remnants of that time making this a cozy, intimate room. Small gatherings, cocktail parties, and other creative uses are possible. The South Patio outside this area provides additional opportunities for seating or standing in the flowered area with a path leading to the main gardens and pergola.
- Room is 23’x10’
- Kitchenette on the second floor with sink, small refrigerator, countertops, and outlets for warming appliances for catering services
The South Patio
The South Patio adjoins The Front and Back Tap Rooms on the first floor. Flowers and beautiful shrubs surround this charming venue while steps lead to the main gardens and pergola. The patio is open to renters of any of the rooms and expands capacity for standing or sitting.
- Patio is 20’x16’
Gardens and Pergola
Next to the Josiah Smith Tavern are the mature, peaceful gardens and a large pergola. This inviting space is accessible from the patio and parking area as well as the sidewalk. A quiet place for all to use, it also may be reserved for private events as well as a setting for small ceremonies and photos. Seasonal blooms make this a perfect backdrop for special occasions.
- Pergola is 26.5′ x 11.5′ with an adjacent light gravel area of 28′ x 25′
- Table and chairs can be set up
- Food trucks can be set up in the adjacent parking area
- Electrical access
- Restrooms on second floor of the JST building
Make this space yours
The Josiah Smith Tavern is available for rent for a wide range of events such as weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, birthday celebrations, meetings, or intimate gatherings.
Interested in renting?
Please contact us to make an appointment to see the venue. Appointments are made as our schedule permits. We will be happy to answer your questions.
News
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The Road to the Woods – Part II: Challenges of an Historic Building
Built in 1757, the Josiah Smith Tavern (JST) is one year shy of its 270th anniversary. Its long history is detailed on our History page. In 1838, after 81 years, it stopped operation as a tavern and the JST would spend its next 120 years as a family home. At the turn of the 20th
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The Road to The Woods – Part I
Correction: A prior version of this story stated that Boston Urban Hospitality had sold two of its restaurants. The restaurants have been closed pending sale. The Friends of the JST regrets the misstatement. In November and December 2025, significant progress was made on the road to opening Josiah Smith Tavern’s The Woods restaurant. This progress included successful
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An Evening of Colonial Dance – Lecture and Lesson! Thursday, February 12, 6:30pm
Join us on Thursday, February 12th at 6.30 p.m. at the Josiah Smith Tavern for a lively lecture and dance lesson. Learn all about how dance and music were intertwined with politics, religion and economics in the colonial period and enjoy a colonial dance lesson after the lecture! Our presenters Jacob and Nancy Bloom teach
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December 8, 2025 Update
By Addison Antonoff in The Weston Observer. The Woods has received Historic New England’s preliminary approvals on several aspects of the project. Brian Piccini, CEO of Boston Urban Hospitality, the company behind The Woods restaurant slated for the Josiah Smith Tavern, told the Weston Select Board on Nov. 25 that his team has received preliminary
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November 25, 2025 Update
The Friends of the Josiah Smith Tavern are pleased to share an update on the progress of The Woods restaurant and Brian Piccini’s ongoing work to advance the project. In November, Mr. Piccini received formal design approval from Historic New England (HNE), the organization that holds the preservation deed restriction on the property. This approval
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November 9, 2025 Update
The Weston Observer’s November 3rd article reported on the October Select Board meeting and Brian Piccini’s plans to open The Woods restaurant in the Josiah Smith Tavern. The article noted Select Board member Lise Revers’ concern with the project’s timeline and requests to review Mr. Piccini’s financials. Mr. Piccini, a Weston resident, explained his deep