Can you teach an old Sea Dog new tricks? Tavern in the Square recently opened in Northborough at the site of the former Sea Dog Steak & Ale. This is the fourth eatery in this location in the past eight years. We are not quite sure what square it is on, but the small six-restaurant chain has a place in Cambridge’s Porter Square. The restaurant has what appears to be traditional pub food and a large selection of draft beer.

We no longer have to wonder. The Wonder Bar, an iconic Shrewsbury Street pizza parlor with decor from the ’50s and in-booth juke boxes, was recently granted a liquor license for new owner, Frank Prizio. Prizio has food in his blood, being the son of Regatta Deli owner Joanne Prizio. Prizio hopes to re-open in the early fall.

On the high road. Via Alto 27 has closed its doors on Clinton’s High Street, and a new sign recently went up for the Clinton Bar & Grille. Doesn’t sound Italian to me, but Open Table says that it is still owned by the Ensrt Family, which owned Via Alto 27.

You won’t get lost using a compass. Dave Dominick, bar manager extraordinaire, has set out on his own and will be opening the Compass Lounge in the Canal District. Dominick, who has managed too many nightspots to list, will offer food and numerous draft beers. The Philadelphia native will feature what he said will be an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. He will also serve steaks and other homecooked comfort foods. Watch for the opening. The Compass will occupy the space that once housed Smokestack Urban BBQ on Harding Street.

More than a sandwich. A new sports bar has opened in Holden. The Specialty Sandwich Co. Bar & Grill recently opened at 624 Main St. Owned by Bill Gjinis, who formerly owned the Specialty Sandwich Co. next door, the pub opened on Aug. 1. In addition to sandwiches, the restaurant also offers brick-oven pizzas. It is open seven days a week.

Go Fish. Marlboro’s Fish restaurant recently hired a new chef. Jonathan Saiff was the former sous chef at the very posh Oak Room in New York City and head chef at Bretton Arms Inn in Bretton Woods, N.H. Saiff will bring his own style to the kitchen. George Voyatsis, the owner and son of the folks who own Worcester’s Coral Seafood, has really stepped up his game in what has become Metrowest’s best seafood restaurant.

Gee what is going on with Gia’s? Gia’s Restaurant, 785 Quaker Highway, Uxbridge, recently reopened under new ownership. The old place abruptly closed the week before Father’s Day. The restaurant will be managed by Robert D. Passaretta, son of the new owner, Orlando Passaretta. Gia’s will honor all gift certificates from the previous business. The gift certificates will have by a deadline, most likely the end of the year.

By Paul Giorgio