Full disclosure: Originally this article was about where to go for a ladies’ night out in Plymouth. But I decided to be inclusive, so the focus is where to go for a friends night out in Plymouth. The more I thought about it, I realized that I had been to a few of these places with my guy friends. These are a bit more sophisticated than beer bars, and pubs, and certainly more so than dive bars. Not only drinking destinations, although many of them feature excellent drinks, all of these are restaurants too. Let’s head out.
Uva Wine Bar
Although this checks all of the boxes for a ladies night out: self-pour wine station, small bites, indoor or al fresco seating in an attractive space, it’s for anyone! I’ve been here with my wife, with my parents, and with a pal and felt more than comfortable in each scenario. (But this is one spot that my wife frequents with gal pals.)
This self-service wine bar has 48 wines that you can choose from which are available in three sizes. Their menu is small but well-chosen, with items such as a charcuterie board and flatbread pizzas. With so much to choose from, it’s easy to make a visit here last hours. A cozy interior in the winter months or on the sidewalk in the summer, Uva’s adapts to the season.
Sip at 1620 Wine Bar
The newly renovated 1620 Wine Bar, rebranded as Sip, is a hip bar and restaurant located on Plymouth’s waterfront in Village Landing. The vibe is cosmopolitan, with leather and wood accents. The menu features an array of tasty bites, including short ribs, lobster Rangoon, and cajun shrimp. Although their creative cocktails have stirred up a buzz, wine is what put them on the map. The 1620 Winery is an impressive space just up the road in Cordage Park, located in North Plymouth. Sip features 1620’s award-winning wines. Try a glass or try a flight.
Mallebar Brassiere
For the next stop in our friends night out in Plymouth, we’re heading to Mallebar Brassiere, a French restaurant located in the heart of downtown. Where Uva and Sip are often thought of as drink-first, you’re at Mallebar for the menu. Salmon, steak frites, and filet mignon are only a sampling of the entrees from the modern French cuisine at Mallebar. Dimly lit, this restaurant can easily double for date night, but try it out with friends. Whether it’s a lavish, luxurious dinner or a beer or a cocktail at the bar, put Mallebar on your Plymouth list.
Honey Baby
For a hipster cool vibe that is at the same time completely unpretentious, try Honey Baby, the cocktail bar sister restaurant to the Tasty, which is located right across Court Street. Don’t expect any TVs on the wall for this friends night out in Plymouth; expect funky furniture and absolutely delicious cocktails and food. The Tasty is known for its truly awesome grub, but guess what, Honey Baby is just as good. Some of my favorite choices at Honey Baby include the short rib poutine (this is a must!), the smash burger, and the lo mein. They are considered sharable smaller bites (snacks), but three items split between two people are filling enough. And you must try a cocktail (or two). I like to let the expert bartenders make me their choice of drink. Others that I have enjoyed include the OG Painkiller, the Cure for Pain, and the Ride or Die.
East Bay Grille
The final stop on our friends’ night out in Plymouth has to be East Bay Grille. Loved by many for its fresh seafood, bay views, and reliability, East Bay doubles as Plymouth’s hottest bar. Whether it is relaxing in their outdoor space in the warmer weather or enjoying a drink or two indoors, it’s a popular spot for a friend’s night out. Whether your trip to East Bay is for a celebratory dinner or a drink and dancing, it’s got something for everyone.
The next time you’re looking for a friends’ night out in Plymouth and you want something different from a pub or a brewery, try one (or more) of these five spots!
