Must-see nightlife in New England

  • Fort Hill Brewery

    Pioneer Valley

    Housed in a big red barn just off the Manhan Rail Trail, this microbrewery uses German brewing techniques to produce its highly rated lagers and ales…

  • Dog & Pony Tavern

    Mount Desert Island

    On a quiet backstreet, this locals' favorite has a laid-back neighborhood pub vibe, with lots of regional microbrews and a leafy garden to drink them in…

  • Crissy's Breakfast & Coffee Bar

    Midcoast Maine

    This charming breakfast nook is good for a cappuccino or some fresh baked goods – or maybe a plate of huevos rancheros if you're feeling particularly…

  • Toasted Owl

    Pioneer Valley

    This spirited place has an oversized, oval-shaped bar with 24 beers on tap, and a zillion TVs, making it a good spot to watch a game. The hardworking…

  • Three Needs

    Burlington

    Whatever your needs, this small college hangout doles out abundant suds from its microbrewery. The crowd gravitates toward the pool table in the back,…

  • Chowder House Boat Bar

    Midcoast Maine

    By the footbridge and behind the Chowder House, this unpretentious waterfront spot features a bar made from an actual sailboat. Gimmick? Sure. Fun? It's…

  • Providence Eagle

    Providence

    For gay men who like their men wearing leather, riding into town on a steer, drinking beer and not talking about changing the curtains because the fabric…

  • Pied Bar

    Provincetown

    This woman-owned waterfront lounge is a popular dance spot for all genders, especially around sunset. The main event is the 'After Tea T-Dance,' to which…

  • Front Porch

    Southern Maine Coast

    This kitschy, fun piano bar attracts a mixed crowd to its many off-key sing-alongs, and is a dapper setting for a cocktail. There's tasty seafood served…

  • Central Ale House

    New Hampshire

    It's a bit scruffy inside, but staff are welcoming and there are more than 32 craft beers on tap. There's an outdoor beer garden too. If you're staying…

  • Thirsty Whale

    Mount Desert Island

    Head here to mingle with locals and lobstermen over a pint and some hearty, inexpensive seafood or a great-value burger. There's live music Friday and…

  • Embargo

    Cape Cod

    Live jazz accompanies creative tapas dishes during dining hours, then DJs hit the decks from 10pm. Signature martinis and a long cocktail list keep the…

  • Ryan's Corner

    Southern Maine Coast

    This packed little Irish pub keeps things warm and cozy with pints of stout, trivia nights and a friendly interest in whatever strangers happen to stumble…

  • Gazebo

    Nantucket

    Great stargazing (both kinds) at this bustling open-air bar right on the wharf. You can keep one eye on who's getting off the ferry and the other on your…

  • British Beer Company

    Cape Cod

    On summer nights visitors flock here for grog, pub grub and Red Sox games on monster-size TVs. There are events most nights, from live music to karaoke to…

  • Bubala's by the Bay

    Provincetown

    Watch the streetside parade roll by at this sidewalk cafe that bustles from brunchtime into night. Stop by for Tequila Tuesdays and occasional live music.

  • Fox and Crow

    Cape Cod

    You can stop in this charming cafe for a coffee fix on your way down to the waterfront. It also has a small menu of burritos and sandwiches ($7 to $12).

  • Chequessett Chocolate

    Cape Cod

    Make a stop here to get a primo caffeine and choc fix. Chequessett makes delicious, artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate from sustainably grown cacao beans.

  • Red Cup Coffeehouse

    Midcoast Maine

    This simple cafe has good (if expensive) coffee and baked goods, and is a decent spot to load up on rocket fuel so you can get through the day.

  • Kohi Coffee

    Provincetown

    Need some help to stay awake for tonight's parties? Let Kohi help – it makes P-town's best coffee, from espresso to pour-over and cold brew.

  • Olde Heritage Tavern

    The Berkshires

    Come to this upbeat tavern for local microbrews on tap, a friendly atmosphere and decent pub fare. Shady outdoor seating is a welcome option.

  • Patio

    Provincetown

    Grab yourself a sidewalk table and order a fresh ginger mojito at this umbrella-shaded cafe hugging the pulsating center of Commercial St.

  • Charlie B's

    Stowe & Smugglers Notch

    If you're searching for a standard après-ski scene with a bit of class, basic pub fare and occasional live music, head to this place.

  • Sweetwaters

    Burlington

    Drenched in heavily nouveau-Victorian decor, this local watering hole attracts the young and upwardly mobile.

  • Dock Square Coffee House

    Southern Maine Coast

    This tiny downtown cafe, tucked off Dock Sq, is a cozy spot for coffee, tea and pastries.

  • Cheers

    Beacon Hill & Boston Common

    Be aware that the bar doesn’t really look like its famous TV alter ego, unless you sit in the 'set bar,' which is a replica of the set. It's also not…

  • Firehouse Vending Machine

    Charlestown

    The kind firefighters at Engine Company 50 work in a 19th-century firehouse with the Freedom Trail passing nearby. On most summer days, they open up a bay…

  • Revelator

    Back Bay

    The beloved canine-friendly local hangout Wired Puppy was bought out in 2017 by a coffee conglomerate from the South. Fortunately, the cozy, exposed-brick…

  • Candibar

    South End & Chinatown

    Welcome to the future, where the walls and ceiling are covered with multicolored lights that throb in time with the music. A state-of-the-art sound system…

  • Twin Schooner's

    Midcoast Maine

    There's not a ton of nightlife in Wiscasset, but this pub, attached to a cozy cafe, has TVs showing games, and a good selection of beers from Maine and…