As summer officially arrives with longer, warmer days, the North Shore offers a vibrant cocktail scene rivaling that of Boston itself. For those seeking inventive drinks, distinctive flavors, and inviting atmospheres without venturing into the city, several standout bars and lounges provide just that. Below are eight premier destinations north of Boston to enjoy creative cocktails paired with complementary bites and memorable ambiances this season.
Baldwin Bar, Woburn
Housed within a modest yellow Victorian just off I-95, Baldwin Bar has earned recognition as one of Esquire’s 24 best bars in America. This intimate 24-seat library-style lounge shares space with Sichuan Garden, a renowned Chinese restaurant owned by the bartenders’ family. The cocktail menu highlights tropical-infused classics such as The Smoke Blossom, blending Mezcal Illegal and Martini & Rossi Fiero with a tangy grapefruit accent, and the Halo Halo, a unique “ube piña colada” featuring rum, ube, coconut milk, and pineapple. Guests are encouraged to pair drinks with Sichuan Garden’s signature garlicky cucumbers dressed in chili oil.
Bar 25, Newburyport
Located downtown, Bar 25’s exposed brick interior and newly launched summer cocktail menu complement its distinctive Persian-inspired cuisine. The multi-level venue offers walk-in bar seating, a dining room, and a lively rooftop lounge. Highlight cocktails include the 25th Sour, a vibrant mix of butterfly pea-infused gin, Luxardo Maraschino, blueberry sage syrup, and egg white. This pairs perfectly with indulgent street fries topped with black truffle, rib-eye strips, and citrus tzatziki.
All Souls Lounge, Salem
Since opening in 2021, All Souls Lounge has cultivated a welcoming, vintage vibe marked by classic cocktails and elevated comfort food. The drink menu features timeless options like the Lemon Drop and French 75, alongside the rarer Boston Sour—a whiskey sour variant with egg white. The bar’s approachable snacks range from soft pretzels to inventive grilled cheeses and vegan hot dogs. A nostalgic jukebox and friendly service complete the neighborhood feel.
Privé, Andover
Privé Lounge offers an upscale nightlife experience in downtown Andover, combining a high-end bar program with weekend DJs and an elegant setting of chandeliers and gilded accents. The cocktail list is organized by spirit and includes complex creations like the Off the Rails bourbon cocktail with cocoa-infused Campari and espresso, and the floral Snow Geisha featuring lychee vodka, gin, sake, and bergamot liqueur. Guests can complement their drinks with Asian-inspired bar bites, such as bacon-wrapped colossal scallops.
Joy Nest, Newburyport
Known for visually striking, gin-forward cocktails paired with flavorful Thai street food, Joy Nest’s plush velvet décor and feather chandeliers set the scene for live jazz performances. Owner Caroline Jolliffe highlights the complex flavor of gin through cocktails like the Cardinal’s Cauldron, which balances cherry, citrus, bitters, and pandan for a subtly sweet yet nuanced experience. The drink pairs elegantly with simple yet satisfying mushroom spring rolls.
Post 1917, Reading
Among the newest entries on the North Shore, Post 1917 offers inventive summer martinis crafted from high-quality spirits such as Jean-Claude Boisset Gin and Caviar Infused Vodka. Notable drinks include the Executive Martini with smoked pepperoncini and blue cheese olive, and the refreshing Cucumber Martini featuring Ketel One Cucumber Mint and a Tajin rim. The food menu complements cocktails with items like crab cakes, oysters, chicken parmesan, and filet mignon, alongside curated wine pairings.
Sogno, Woburn
This elevated Italian restaurant by Martignetti Hospitality Group presents creative cocktails including the Vesuvius—vodka with pepperoncini juice and a garlic-herb stuffed pepper garnish—and an Italian Margarita featuring tequila, Amaretto Disaronno, and blood orange soda. Dessert cocktails like the Italian Cookie and Drunk Cannoli blend traditional flavors with spirits for a decadent finish.
Seamark Seafood & Cocktails, Everett
Inside Encore Boston, Seamark features seafood-driven dishes under James Beard Award-winner Michael Schlow. Mixologist Francesco Lafranconi crafts cocktails like the Mrs. Lee Sloe Gin Fizz, combining Plymouth Sloe Gin and St-Germain with fresh lemon and house champagne. The venue also hosts Old Wives’ Tale, a hidden speakeasy accessible by secret entry. The refined menu includes Prime Steak Tartare with summer truffle and togarashi-spiced potato chips with onion dip.
With these diverse and expertly curated spots, the North Shore has firmly established itself as a premier summer cocktail destination—offering everything from intimate lounges to vibrant rooftops, classic concoctions to bold new blends, and menus that delight both food and drink aficionados.
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