Buenos días
Ciao
Hello!
I’d like to start off by thanking those of you who took the time to pass along the kind words and positive response to last week’s installment. I truly believe there’s a plethora of great places in the North Shore and I hope to showcase many of them in the coming weeks/months.
After great consideration, I've come to the conclusion that for the second week in a row, I’m going to highlight a few locations in Lynn, Massachusetts that I believe are worth not only your time, but also your hard-earned money.
One aspect that I enjoy about this city is how it’s made up of many close-knit neighborhoods such as like Pine Hill, Highlands, Brickyard, Diamond District, and Fay Estates.
Another neighborhood (one where I have lived my entire life) is Wyoma Square. Over the last decade, Wyoma Square (located at the intersection of Broadway and Lynnfield St) has quickly ascended to the top of ladder for both entertainment and restaurants. The Lazy Dog Sports Bar and Grill, Rolly's Tavern on the Square and the Four Winds Pub should be at the top of your must visit locations.
Rolly's Tavern on the Square (338 Broadway, Lynn, MA 01904), which opened in 2005, was created after renovating a former bank into a restaurant. Originally only sporting a small bar and minimal seating area, owners Rolly and Wendy Meninno decided in 2011 to expand the restaurant due to the growing crowds and favorable reviews. From 2008-2011 they won “Best Casual Restaurant”, “Best Burger” & “Best Waitstaff” via Market Surveys of America. They also made the Boston Globe’s “TOP 45 Sandwiches” in 2011.
Their food features mostly American and pub fare standards such as several kinds of burgers, steaks, mozzarella sticks, homemade potato chips (with a nice French onion dip), but they offer fancier options such as pasta and seafood (try the Salmon).
Despite it being 2014, I feel like a majority of restaurants are lacking with their social media promotion. Rolly’s is a rare exception. Check out their Facebook page where they promote specials such as 2 for 1 burgers on Mondays or 2 entrees and wine for 29.99, and wings, apps, and beer deals on Sundays especially during football season. With several TVs you can definitely watch any game you desire here.
The Lazy Dog Sports Bar and Grill (328 Broadway, Lynn, MA 01904), was opened in 2005 by Tom Dill, who believed Lynn was missing that customary fan favorite sports bar with a friendly staff and a homey environment. In the 9 years since its inception, Mr. Dill has easily fulfilled his objectives.
Don’t let the name fool you. Although smaller than Rolly’s, it’s the Lazy Dog’s charm which captures your attention from the moment you stroll in.
With a dozen flat screen televisions and eye-catching sports memorabilia, this is the ideal place to watch the big game surrounded by fellow die-hard fans. Give it a few weeks and this is will also be the place where…everybody knows your name! And to that popularity it was recently chosen as the North Shore's best Sports Bar by Northshore Magazine.
The bar itself is large enough that it doesn't make you feel deserted, but it’s set up perfectly so you’re not becoming claustrophobic as you down a frosty brew or refreshing cocktail. There’s also a separate dining area if you want to bring the family in.
A big focal point for the Lazy Dog is their entertainment:
DJ Jimmy Ice hosts Karaoke Sunday’s and Monday’s (9:30PM).
Stump Trivia is every Tuesday (8PM)
Questionary is every Wednesday (8:30PM).
Thursday – Saturday will typically feature live music.
A majority of the food is what you’d expect, but with a few unique twists such as southwest wings and stuffed clams (both highly recommended). I don’t believe I’m misleading anyone when I openly admit that their Chili may very well be the best in Lynn. It has a spicy kick mixed in with some sweetness that you can’t get enough of.
Despite all that, what’ll keep you crawling back is their succulent/tender steak tips. Get it as a meal or on top a salad, it doesn't matter as long as you order the steak. If you want a well-cut piece of meat that explodes with flavor, is easy to chew and doesn't make you feel like a hot air balloon, than take my advice and order the steak tips. Secondary recommendation: The prime rib dinner special on Wednesday nights.
Check out their Facebook page where they regularly post updates on their entertainment schedule and menus.
The last place I want to talk about is the Four Winds Pub (265 Broadway, Lynn, MA 01904). It isn't exactly a new place, but it’s recently begun gaining new attention due to the positive changes it’s gone through.
What was once a small biker bar with a limited food menu, in 2013 new owner Patrick DeBoever built from scratch a new kitchen and assembled an outdoor deck for seating to overlook the beautiful Sluice Pond.
Much like the Lazy Dog and Rolly’s, Four Winds is a very cozy place to relax while sitting back for a drink or having lunch with the kids.
Due to the new kitchen, they were able to expand the menu and add more appetizer options like flat bread pizzas and several kinds of wings. They've had many new sandwiches and entrees with a bit of a focus on barbecue. They’re even rumors of a smoker being on the premises!
I cannot begin to stress the fact that the true star of this revived pub is the outdoor patio and bar. I have been almost everywhere in this city and I have yet to see another location with exterior seating that could rival them.
Every Monday, Four Wind’s house band Lexington Street plays live music for their growing crowds.
While Rolly’s and Lazy Dog are far more well know, Four Winds can be considered a new hidden gem, especially in the summer.
Check out their Facebook page for more info!
