Editors’ Choice
Baldwin & Sons Trading Company, Woburn
Standout qualities: Creative and craft don’t even begin to describe the cocktails here. Owner Ran Duan is a phenom—he and his talented team have been racking up national recognition and awards for drinks that smoke with liquid nitrogen, tower in large brass swan vessels, and tempt with exotic combinations ever since he took over the bar program at his parents’ restaurant.
What’s Unique: Gorgeous glassware, a posh, elegant atmosphere on the second floor of a Colonial mansion, and a bound book of cocktails to page through, all while enjoying BONS 2017–winning Sichuan food from the restaurant downstairs.
Insider tip: Baldwin & Sons is open Thursday to Sunday only and reservations are strongly recommended. The original Baldwin Bar, a raucous tiki-themed space on the first floor, offers less precious—but just as delicious—drinks seven days a week.
2 Alfred St., Woburn, 781-935-8488, thebaldwinbar.com
Readers’ Choice
Opus, Salem
Insider tip: The cocktail geek barkeeps are happy to fill you in on obscure spirits and offer up tastes of anything from yellow Chartreuse to their weird collection of Icelandic spirit Brennevin.
87 Washington St., Salem, 978-744-9600, salemopus.com