Summer is a time for nights out with friends and afternoons on the town. Regardless, the exclamation point to such an outing is grabbing a drink or two and toasting to an amazing time. Here are some of the best places in the Greater Merrimack Valley to grab a beer or cocktail. Please drink responsibly.
The Worthen House Cafe
The Worthen House Cafe is Lowell’s oldest and most historic tavern, and is steeped in history and legend. It’s said that Edgar Allen Poe himself once stayed in a room above the tavern, and the bar’s classic cocktails are as eccentric as its most famous patron. As you chat with the locals, sip on a glass of Moonrise, which is a flavorful combination of Absolut vodka, Malibu rum, Blue Curacao, Triple Sec, pineapple juice, and sour mix. Or read some of Poe’s famous poems while indulging in The Dutchess, which is Bombay Sapphire Gin, St. Germaine elderflower liqueur, house-made lemonade, and ginger beer.
Lord Hobo Brewing Company
For more casual beers with your buddies, stop over at Lord Hobo Brewing Company. This taproom showcases an expansive 40-draft line system, offering fan-favorite brews as well as brewery-only releases. It’s a haven for craft beer experts and novices alike, accommodating a wide range of palates and offering a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. If you’re not a beer fan, don’t worry; there are also rotating guest taps of wine and cider.
Moonstones
Moonstones is a wildly-popular restaurant that serves craft cocktails in a beautiful metropolitan atmosphere. It’s the perfect location for a classy affair, whether a girls’ night out or a romantic date. The drinks are delightful to sip on while sharing a cheese plate or an assortment of bar snacks.
Try a Moonhattan, which is a house-infused specialty of Luxardo cherries steeped in American whiskey and sweet vermouth. For martinis, there’s a range of options, including the double espresso martini and the bar hills bees’ knees. There’s also a delicious selection of wines and craft beers for those who would like to keep things on the simpler side.
Cobblestones Restaurant
Perfectly suited to both tavern fare and special occasions, Cobblestones Restaurant has a drink menu that represents this wide range of clientele. There’s white and red wines, beer that ranges from bottled to draft, and of course an assortment of cocktails.
If you’re dining with friends, the menu has a selection of mixed drinks that can be ordered by the pitcher to share with the table. There’s the signature Stones Seasonal Sangria, which is a mix of Spanish-inspired seasonal flavors, fresh fruit, wine, and spirits. Or there’s the Pineapple Pom Margarita, which is a fiery but fresh mix of tequila, pineapple, pomegranate, and jalapeno. The Strawberry Lemonade is refreshing and great for summer, combining vodka, lemonade, and muddled strawberries.
No matter where you go, you’re sure to find a drink that suits your tastes, especially if you’re out with great company. Be sure to drink responsibly and secure a designated driver, but most of all have fun.
