Philip Aguirre looked to the basement of his Old Surrey restaurant to build Bistro 72.

A former banquet room in the historic Burkart House in Newton houses the new bistro, which seats 42 and offers a menu big on shared items (ahi tuna, bruschetta, nachos) and French cuisine influenced by West Coast ingredients.

On weekend evenings, live music is performed in a back corner of the cozy bar.

"It's more casual than upstairs, and it should draw a younger clientele," said Aguirre, whose family has owned and operated Old Surrey for several decades.

The former house was constructed in 1918, according to Aguirre, and served as the residence of Lou Jack, a store owner.