Editors’ Choice
La Fina
Andover
Unwind with a perfectly prepared martini and channel Mad Men at this timeless upscale spot with an international vibe. Upholstered chairs invite lingering at the long slate-gray bar, rubbing elbows with clientele who are decidedly upscale and dressed to impress—you might just ink a million-dollar deal over a glass of Champagne.
27 Main St., Andover, 978-475-4082, lafinarestaurant.com
For waterview cocktails
Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar
Newburyport
This Taniya Nayak–designed space is dominated by a large bar positioned to bring Merrimack views to every seat. But if you really want to get close to the river, grab a stool at the deck railing, gazing out at Salisbury and the ocean beyond. An elegant drinks list, with a focus on local spirits as well as a broad selection of wines by the glass and beer on tap, offers a vast array of options.
38R Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-465-2211, tuscanseagrillbar.com
For city views
The Roof
Salem
At the only rooftop bar in town, enjoy harbor breezes and views of steeples and colonial buildings below at this open-air spot. The cocktails match the easy-breezy scene—frosé, anyone?—and bar snacks skew Mexican, with nachos, tacos, and rice bowls. We like the focus on local beer and the coastal charm.
209 Essex St., Salem, 978-451-4950, theroofsalem.com
For a beach vibe
Plum Island BeachComa
Plum Island
Beach hair? Don’t care! The Beachcoma is a permanent vacation, welcoming flip-flops and sand between your toes with strong rum punch, indoor and outdoor seating, and live music Sunday afternoons, to ease the transition from weekend to weekday. If you’re hungry, the pub menu should hit the spot.
23 Plum Island Blvd., Newbury, 978-358-8218, pibeachcoma.com
For seafarers
Mile Marker One
Gloucester
Mile Marker One made waves last winter with personal igloos to enable diners to be socially distant even in the snow, wind, and rain. During patio season, it’s still a great place to dock, as one of the few places around that lists latitude and longitude on its directions page. Perhaps pair your drink with a tray of roasted oysters or the “Seacuterie Board,” packed with tuna bresaola, smoked swordfish, octopus salad, and tuna stuffed peppadews. Just pay no mind to the tourists trying to glimpse the stars of Wicked Tuna.
75 Essex Ave., Gloucester, 978-283-2122, capeannmarina.com/dining
For the sports fanatic
Teresa’s Grille 19
North Reading
So many screens! Teresa’s is pretty much wall-to-wall TVs, so you can see the big game from many vantage points. But what really sets this spot apart from other sports bars is owner/chef Nick Yebba, Jr., in the kitchen, putting the same care and quality into wings and nachos as he puts into his acclaimed restaurant, Teresa’s Prime, upstairs. Which means from cocktails to burgers, the food is every bit as good as the definition on those screens.
20 Elm St. (Rte. 62), North Reading, 978-276-0044, teresasgrille19.com
Readers’ Choice
Granite Coast Brewing
Peabody
Owners Jeff Marquis and Rob Dunn have been friends since middle school, and they’ve created a welcoming space where everyone is family. With drafts for every taste, from sour to dry-hopped wheat and London-style porter, the rotation of craft-made beer in this stripped-down space furnished with long picnic tables is sure to please.
77B Main St., Peabody, 978-595-2775, granitecoastbrewing.com