So I grew up here, went to Newburyport High School and then like most of my classmates left for college. This past summer after living in Boston for ten years, I decided to move back. Now I must say that I am very spoiled having lived in a fairly happening city and the thoughts of returning to my hometown and finding some sort of “cool” nightlife seemed a little daunting… but I was delightfully wrong.
So here’s my list of Newburyport bars and my thoughts on each:
Michael’s used to have a pretty hot (for the suburbs) dance party… but due to a bunch of fights and noise complaints, it no longer plays music and closes at like 11pm… It’s also full of townies drinking Bud (not that there is anything wrong with townies or Budweiser just not my scene)
On the plus side in the summer it’s great for a good, old New England lobstah roll and in the fall once all the tourist leave you can watch some great sunsets.
The Thirsty Whale (aka The Whale or The Thirsty Male)
Want a wicked strong, cheap drink with a side of riff-raff? Yes Please! Welcome to the Whale. Great for people watching, late night drinks, or a Sunday Funday adventure. They serve food although I have never tried it, however I did see a wonderful Valentines Day special last week that was 3 courses for two for $29.95 (can you hear my sarcasm?)
Hello 40+ and cover bands! The Grog is an institution. Everyone knows about it. Everybody goes to it. You say your from Newburyport and people say “Oh, I’ve been to this bar up there…ummmm…. the Grog” It is what it is. Strong drinks (trend in Newburyport much like our dear North Shore friend Marblehead), decent food (I had some great oysters there with an emo kid last year), and a cheap cover for shows (like five bucks). The bartenders downstairs sometimes can’t handle the volume so bring your patience. Oh and after 10 pm NO SHOTS, so ask for them on the rocks or neat. Cheers!
Let me first say that I LOVE AGAVE! It’s good for a chill night with two or three people.
Pros: Awesome Mexican Food. Great Tequilla List. Fun Margaritas. Cons: Closes at like 10pm. Small bar. Pricey.
The Rockfish (AKA State Street)
I’m neutral on the Rockfish. I don’t love it. I don’t hate it. The downstairs bar is ok. The upstairs bar is cute and intimate for a date or some girl gossip times. They have live music usually acoustic upstairs on the weekends. It’s worth an addition to your Friday or Saturday night rotation.
Right on the harbor? Of course.
Pretentious? Maybe.
Delicious Bar Snacks? Yes.
Great beer and wine list? Yes in deed!
Good for a causal date, dinner with the rents, or a stop on your afternoon summer pub crawl.
The Port Tavern(AKA The Tavern)
The Tavern is my spot. I feel like I’m Norm from Cheers minus everyone saying my name every time I walk in. So on second thought I guess it’s a little odd that I feel like Norm but just go with it. The Tavern is GREAT! Free wi-fi, a kick-a$$ Reuben, and a good Guinness. Not to mention they have great acoustic music on the weekends.
The Park Lunch never disappoints for a cheap beer and a great club sandwich…but as far as happening night spot… not so much…oh plus it’s only for the staff of Newburyport High School
Oh….Ten Center…you are pretty…very pretty. This is a great place to sit alone at the bar and get some work done. I have a thing for working in bars. Not only do they have a great menu and drink list, they also have free wi-fi. Downstairs is rustic with exposed beams and upstairs is more modern with a nice old-school fireplace and skylights. As a side note, they do a wonderful Sunday Brunch especially in the summer when you can sit on the patio and enjoy some delicious peeled, spicy shrimp.
And finally… the Neptunes (AKA The Neps)
Now as an exclusive members-only bar, I have had the honor of entering a handful of times. $1 drinks, smoking allowed, and Newburyport’s finest…. Find yourself a member today.
Adventures of a North Shore Girl 