Sneak Peek Inside New Bedford’s $10M National Club Glow Up

It's been nearly two years since we first learned about the owners of Cisco and The Black Whale taking over the National Club in Downtown New Bedford. The building, which was once home to one of the roughest bars in the city, will now house one of the most chi-chi Mexican restaurants in New England.

Historic New Bedford Bar Gets a High-End Transformation

The National Club will keep its original moniker as a tip of the cap to its history. However, the comparisons will stop there. Steve Silverstein and his crew have dumped millions of dollars into the waterfront location — a massive upgrade to a commercial neighborhood that has seen a steep upward trajectory over the past decade.

It's actually amazing that it took this long for someone to acquire what was Boardwalk/Park Place hidden as Mediterranean Avenue.

First Look Inside the New National Club Restaurant

I was thrilled when The MGM Show was invited to be the first to try the new restaurant all of New Bedford has been talking about for years. Valet parking was being offered at the door, but we were able to find parking without a problem.

My wife and I started with guacamole, chips and a flight of five different savory and spicy salsas. It was fun to try all of the different salsas that you might be too nervous to order on their own.

READ MORE: A Last Look at New Bedford's National Club As It Was

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What We Ordered: Tacos, Lobster Fried Rice & Dessert

Dinner consisted of carne asada tacos on soft flour shells. My wife said they were bursting with flavor. She particularly liked the radishes and cilantro as part of the flavor mix.

I went with the Peruvian lobster fried rice. It was served on the half-shell with wok rice, garlic and vegetables. I don't normally eat lobster out at a restaurant, but it was conveniently cracked and the meat was easily removed, allowing each bite of rice to be paired with the decadent lobster meat or one of the seemingly endless pieces of grilled shrimp.

We couldn't resist ordering from The National Club's dessert menu. We shared the churros with dipping chocolate sauce, then made the executive decision to bring home a piece of the tres leches cake for a second round at home.

The National Club Is Ready to Become a New Bedford Hot Spot

The Silversteins have done it again, New Bedford. They've created an elevated, truly unique version of a Mexican restaurant that is sure to please from all corners of the SouthCoast.

Eating at The National Club is fun. Judy's decorations and lighting add the perfect touch of ambiance. We were shocked at the size of the interior. It's going to be a fun summer sipping margaritas on the patio overlooking the fast ferry.

The meal was comped by The National Club, but diners were encouraged to leave a donation for AHA! New Bedford.

The National Club will be holding its public grand ppening on Wednesday.