Midcoast Maine
'Drouthy' (droo-thee) is Scottish for 'thirsty' (thanks to poet Robert Burns' 'Tam o' Shanter'), and this cute wee pub wears its owner's Scots heritage on…
Must-see nightlife in New England
Boston
If you're over the craft-beer craze and ready for the next big thing, you'll find it across the harbor in East Boston. So far, Downeast makes three…
Rhode Island
Sitting on the lawn, cold mudslide in hand, overlooking the boats bobbing in the Great Salt Pond, The Oar is quintessential Block Island and its open…
Vermont
North America's largest cidery (producer of hard cider) offers pints, cider cocktails, bar snacks and tastes (four for $3) at its state-of-the-art…
Boston
Some regulars here are so dedicated that they organize their business calendars so they don't miss their spot at the counter. The bartender masterfully…
South End & Chinatown
This is a slick lounge – albeit a tiny one – in the basement of the W hotel. The 'tunnel' is the effect of the LED lights on the ceiling, which lead the…
New Haven
This is the flagship store for a small New Haven chain that donates money to charities of your choice with every purchase. Whether Blue State's popularity…
Burlington
Perched atop Burlington's floating boathouse is this sometimes low-key, sometimes raucous restaurant-bar with stellar views over Lake Champlain. It serves…
Portland
Decked out in Christmas lights and flea-market kitsch, this sprawling bar and restaurant is a Portland institution. Dozens of taps serve primarily…
Jumpin' Jack's Java Oceanview Cafe
New Hampshire
Although this friendly place got its start as a drive-thru coffeehouse, today it's also known for its tasty pastries and sandwiches, with cheese-and-egg…
Boston
Whitey's is everything a dive bar is supposed to be, with cheap beer, free pool, free popcorn and a cast of colorful local characters propping up the bar…
New Hampshire
Regulars store their pewter mugs in racks above the bar (we hear there are more than 2500 on file) at this rustically colonial tavern, tucked inside the…
Boston
If you have a hankering for something different, duck into this tiny hole-in-the-wall with a retro, Prohibition-era theme. The atmosphere is super-hip and…
Portland
This Scandinavian-style, minimalist cocktail bar is a two-time James Beard semi-finalist for 'Outstanding Bar Program.' The setting is spacious, airy and…
Portland
Nationally known for its Belgian-style beers, Allagash opens its doors for free tours and tastings every day (book a tour online; weekend tours are super…
Portland
Another cool brewery in Maine with innovative beer and a big, welcoming brewery bar? Why the hell not? This enormous space isn't just a good spot to grab…
Portland
Although Bramhall touts itself as a speakeasy, there's a level of exclusivity implied in that description that doesn't register at this redbrick…
Martha's Vineyard
OK, so the tagline – 'a playground for adults' – may raise some eyebrows. But Loft is not risque. Instead, it's a rowdy 2nd-floor bar (above MV Chowder…
Vermont
One of New England's best breweries, Otter Creek Brewing makes fine craft beers, from year-round favorites like Berner IPA to seasonal brews like…
Boston
Enclosed by glass and surrounded by the greenery of Post Office Sq, Sip Café is a delightful place to stop for lunch or a caffeinated beverage. There's…
Midcoast Maine
The tasting room of this small, ethically minded brewery is a popular destination for beer lovers, who like both the hoppy flavors and the brewers' ideals…
Connecticut
This popular Irish pub serves a full pub menu – including beer-battered cod and chips, Guinness lamb stew and farmhouse pie – at a long wooden bar. There…
Boston
The bartenders at this throwback know their stuff, mixing up a slew of specialty cocktails (including the namesake Ward 8) and serving them in clever…
Vermont
Free samples of Stonecutters' heritage cask whiskey and single barrel gin are the top draw at this Middlebury-based distillery, but it's worth sticking…
Boston
Just by drinking rich delicious coffee and eating sweet dark chocolate, you are doing a good deed. All the coffee and cocoa is organically grown, fairly…
Vermont
Halfway between Killington and Woodstock, the brewer of 'Vermont's No 1 Selling Amber' draws crowds for self-guided brewery tours and a sunny riverside…
Newport
Tucked away among the docks of Bannister's Wharf you'll find this uber-popular bar. Its sprawling outdoor patio is perfect for watching all the action on…
Massachusetts
Hands down the most interesting night spot in Worcester, this old diner attached to a rock club serves chili dogs, great burgers and cheap booze. But…
Providence
A long-standing outlet for all forms of Rhode Island art, AS220 (say 'A-S-two-twenty') books experimental bands, hosts readings and provides gallery space…
Providence
E & O is brighter, louder and more raucous than other Providence night spots, with a pool table, a rockin' jukebox and a clientele that tends toward the…
South End & Chinatown
The Beehive has transformed the basement of the Boston Center for the Arts into a 1920s Paris jazz club. This place is more about the scene than the music…
Connecticut
It's a wine bar that serves real-deal Italian fare – toasted freshly baked panini with tomato and buffalo mozzarella, cheese platters and small plates –…
Winnipesaukee Belle Brews Cruise
New Hampshire
On Tuesdays in high season, step aboard an 1800s replica paddleboat for craft beer and live music. Enjoy bands and dancing on the Thirsty Thursday cruises…
Portland
On the outside: a cute, oddly residential-looking building in the middle of downtown. On the inside: a dark bar decorated with a skull, wooden chickens…
Midcoast Maine
This bar, located above Marshall Wharf Brewing Company, serves that establishment's beers, as well as cocktails, whiskies and other drinks to ward off the…
Boston
A delightful destination for dessert or aperitifs, this frilly parlor displays antique espresso machines and black-and-white photos, with a pressed-tin…
Vermont
It's a fact: margaritas taste better inside a beat-up ski gondola. See for yourself at Trail Break, a ski-themed bar in downtown White River Junction. The…
South End & Chinatown
This late-night Parisian bistro serves up live jazz alongside an excellent selection of wines by the glass and a menu of classic but contemporary French…
Vermont
A wonderful spot for a midafternoon break, this peaceful oasis in MIddlebury's historic Marble Works is run by tea-connoisseur John Wetzel, who direct…
Massachusetts
A long-standing New England favorite, Ipswich Ale started making craft beer before it was cool (in 1991, to be precise). Now it has an on-site tap-room…
