Editors’ Choice
Baldwin Bar, Baldwin & Sons Trading Company, Woburn
Standout Qualities: Award-winning drinks in a moody library space where the presentation—ornate glassware, silver platters, and the occasional item smoking from liquid nitrogen—is as well thought out as the superb cocktails.
What’s Unique: The ability to enjoy cocktails with some of the best Sichuan food around, from the family’s restaurant downstairs.
Insider Tip: Baldwin & Sons is the upstairs bar and is open Thursday-Sunday. While it seats 45, reservations for a two-hour seating are strongly recommended. The original Baldwin Bar, on the first floor, offers its own menu of well-made drinks seven days a week.
2 Alfred St., Woburn, 781-935-8488, thebaldwinbar.com
Readers’ Choice
Opus, Salem
Insider Tip: The bartenders are constantly conjuring house-infused liquors, from licorice gin to cinnamon bourbon. Ask what they’re excited about right now.
87 Washington St., Salem, 978-744-9600, salemopus.com