Discover A Gem In The Woods Of Plymouth: A Celebrated Tavern Since 1792

I love historic sites, homes, architecture and culture. There's something about a place with a past, and a story to tell. I often think about those who came before, walked down the same road, ate in the same area, yet lived a very different life. If you appreciate history, you should discover a gem in the woods of Plymouth, a celebrated tavern since 1792.

I visited Rye Tavern a few years ago, and went back a second time the following year. You'll have to travel down Route 3 toward Cape Cod, but you won't find it "just off the highway." You'll find it on a narrow road in the Pine Hills area of America's Hometown. You can picture a horse and carriage bringing weary travelers here in the 19th century. And they did.

Plymouth's Rye Tavern is jewel among the pines. A modest, but charming, shingled Cape style abode, this sweet spot feels warm and welcoming from the first crack of the door. It must have been a sight for sore eyes for stagecoaches seeking rest after a long day on Old Sandwich Road.

Rye Tavern's website tells the story of how it was originally called The Cornish Tavern. It was named for Josiah and his wife Nabby who built it in 1792 and ran the tavern as an inn. The site explains, "Unlike the modern car or bus, stagecoaches and their teams required regular rest stops along their routes of travel. There were two stops on Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth – one in Ellisville and the other at The Cornish’s Tavern." Apparently, the couple kept the tavern as an inn and "popular loyal meeting place for many years."

The Tavern even has it's own garden and serves farm to table fare. They proudly serve locally sourced produce and meats from farmer's markets and growers in the neighborhood. You'll also find local craft beers and booze in the bar, with a creative cocktail menu. In recent years, The Rye Tavern has added a fabulous outdoor space. It really is a gem in the woods of Plymouth, and a celebrated tavern since 1792.

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Sweet summertime is here. It's a time to celebrate the weather we've waited for all year. Boston is busting at the seams with some fantastic spots to celebrate friends, family and fair weather. But where are the best bars in Boston? Cool places to grab a drink in our beautiful city? These are the best bars in Boston, according to Open Table.

Consider this list to be like your GPS for drinks in the Boston area. It's always fun to discover new places. Thanks to Open Table and their customer reviews, you can weed out the not-so-great for the really good and often great places to sip and sup, or drink and dine. These are the best bars in Boston according to Open Table. I can personally account for a couple of these hot spots for cold drinks.

The bars on this list aren't just the best for cocktails. You will find fabulous food at these restaurants. There are some old-school spots here, as well as chic and modern vibes. Some serve comfort food, some are known for their eclectic menus. There is definitely something for everyone here! So, dive in! And cheers to a great summer.

553 Tremont St. Boston (South End)

Banyon Bar & Rufuge is known for their "mighty cocktail list," according to Open Table.  Diners dig their White Lotus cocktail, made with vodka, St. Germain elderflower liquer, lemon and lychee puree. Their happy hours are legendary! You can get 10 dumplings or 5 spring rolls for just $5 from 4-6pm every day. Wash it down with their famous frose!

2261 Dorchester Ave. Boston (Dorchester/Lower Mills)

This is one of my go-to summer spots. Their "backyard" outdoor dining is a little slice of green heaven in Lower Mills. They have an excellent selection of beer and wine, and as Open Table mentioned: "the vast whiskey program here is also noteworthy." My personal favorite is their coconut margarita.

https://www.bowery-bar.com/

3710 Washington St. Jamaica Plain

Locally sourced dining options to go with an ever changing creative drink menu is what you will find at Brassica. Open Table says, "staples include the spicy and floral All Power, (featuring cachaça, chile liqueur, grapefruit, and violet liqueur) and the Gray Gardens (a blend of mezcal, lavender, elderflower, orange blossom, and lime)."

https://www.brassicakitchen.com/

11 Beacon St. Boston (Beacon Hill)

Open table describes Carrie Nation as a "sexy speakeasy." This is one of a few spot in Boston to order a carafe of wine. Remember those? This laid-back, old school bar offers many interesting drink options, like Southern Mint Tea, made with bourbon, iced tea, honey and lemon. Yes, please.

http://www.carrienationcocktailclub.com/

142 Berkely St. Boston (Back Bay)

Colorful. That's how Open Table describes this Back Bay favorite. Here you will find a rainbow of flavors. Known for their tequila cocktails, at Citrus & Salt you can order their popular Yuzu Cute, with rum, guava, yuze-lime bubble and mint. It's "fruity and frozen" and a sight to be seen.

https://www.citrusandsaltboston.com/

JPNDC Brewery Complex, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain

Did you know The Haven is Boston's only Scottish bar? In a city filled with Irish pubs, this is a standout. At The Haven they serve Scotch eggs and Scottish salmon and other worldly favorties. But they also have an incredible selection of top-shelp whiskeys and Scottish beers.

https://thehavenjp.com/

90 Exeter St. Boston (Back Bay)

This modern, cool spot in Back Bay is actually 3 bars in one spot. Choose your spot...The Rose Bar, The Supper Club, or the Speakeasy.  Hue's website says, "As diverse as the flavors and colors that make up the neighborhood, HUE's Rosebar, Supper Club, and Speakeasy has something for every mood or occasion. Enjoy American food with Asian flair and a well-balanced cocktail program." They even offer locally referenced cocktails like "The Huntington" - with vodka, sake, cucumber juice, and ginger syrup. Try the "Tea Party" with vodka, elderflower liqueur, raspberry tea and sake. Yum.

https://www.hueboston.com/

21 Temple Place, Boston (Downtown Crossing)

Good old fashioned American comfort food is served at jm Curley, to compliment their robust selection of beers and boozy shakes. You might want to try a habanero honey-kissed tequila cocktail or their super-charged esspresso martini.

https://www.jmcurleyboston.com/

48 Gloucester St. Boston (Back Bay)

Krasi means wine, so as you would imagine their is quite a selection of wines served here. They are known for having the largest Greek wine list in America! This  Back Bay bar also has a separate space for craft cocktails downstairs, called  Hecate. There are only 24-seats in their Euro inspired cocktail bar.

https://krasiboston.com/

40 Brattle St #3, Cambridge, MA

You'll find Longfellow "nestled on top of Alden and Harlow," in Harvard Square, according to Open Table. This tasteful bar has bites for "sharing and pairing." Cathedral ceilings and a marble bar elevate the experience.  The Longfellow's inventive cocktail menu does not disappoint. Here's one to try on: "Heroes"- made with privateer tiki gin, batavia arrack, banana, sfumato, basil, lime and milk.

https://longfellowharvard.com/

6 Beacon St. Boston (Beacon Hill)

Roxanne's cocktail menu is so fun! There's "The Side Chick" with dry rose, hibiscus tea, lillet rose, aperol, lemon and bubbles. Or how about this: "The Wake Up Call" featuring Jameson Cold Brew, espresso liquer, aztec chocolate bitters, sweet vermouth and dark roast coffee. That'll keep you going. You'll find this hot spot near the State House. Open Table describes it as a"lounge has a playful Oz-like vibe." I'm in!