Ask a Bartender: What are the 10 Best Drinking Days of the Year in Worcester?

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Sunday, June 28, 2015

Pam Martin, GoLocalWorcester Ask A Bartender Columnist

Some people can find any excuse to make any day that ends in ‘y’ a great day to go drinking. There are a few standout days, though, that are undeniable – whether you like it or not. There are always going to be the naysayers, who absolutely refuse to partake in the days on this list and mock the celebration, whatever it may be. They’re just making room for the rest of us, which is always appreciated. Here are some of the most popular days to go support your local watering hold.

Parade Day

One of few days of the year that people are happy to stroll up and down Park Ave relatively worry free. Okay, the only day of the year. Even amidst snow banks, this Sunday is one of Worcester’s most beloved to go out and drink with strangers.

St. Patrick’s Day

Contrary to popular belief, St. Patrick’s Day and “Parade Day” are actually two different days. Fiddler’s Green is a local favorite, but on March 17th there isn’t a shortage of options for Guinness and Irish Car Bombs.

First Day of March Madness

Take the day off—you’re not going to be productive today. The first day of the NCAA tournament is the perfect excuse to take a personal day and meet a few friends at your favorite sports bar. It is often underestimated, but never disappoints.

Taste of Shrewsbury Street

For everyone still recovering from this week’s event, no explanation needed. Many people go for the chance to sample delicious food from the best restaurants in Worcester. Others, however, couldn’t care less about the food and head down to Shrewsbury Street simply to enjoy the first drinking event of the summer. It’s held rain or shine so there really isn’t an excuse to wimp out.

Thanksgiving Day

Yes, Thanksgiving Day made it on the list before Thanksgiving Eve because this is the best day to practice the “hair of the dog” cure to hangovers. On Green Street you will find the go-getters lacing up for the Turkey Trot, and inside The Banner Bar & Grille you will find the rest of us enjoying a delicious breakfast sandwich and a round or two of whatever you please. It’s quite efficient: take care of a hangover, and get primed for a day of family bonding.

Thanksgiving Eve

For the 21-24 year old crowd, this drinking holiday is all about running into people you lost touch with since high school, and evaluating who’s Facebook profile updates are accurate, and who is violating filter use. For the 25 and older crowd, you still look forward to this day, but you and your friends all go to a bar somewhere more tucked away from the Kelley Square shuffle.

Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend

It’s the first long weekend for teachers, therefore everyone has a reason to go out that Sunday and celebrate something. Most people don’t have to work that Monday, and if they do, they are not happy about it so a Monday hangover in the office is a great way to stick it to their bosses.

The Second Over-hyped Blizzard of the Season

If you live within walking distance of a bar, or even a liquor store, then you know exactly what I am talking about. After everyone else has ransacked the grocery store for every last gallon of water, there is only one thing left to do, and that’s drink. You can soak up all of the riveting clips of meteorologists getting wind-whipped, or you can bundle up and walk down to your favorite local bar. It’s most likely just going to be you and your friends, relishing in the all the elbowroom you’ve ever dreamed of.

First Sunday of Football Season

Specifically, the first Sunday of the Patriots’ regular season. Look for the best deal on wings and make yourself comfy. Plan to get claim your spot at the bar about thirty minutes before kick-off for the earlier games in the season. It’s still nice enough weather that most bars will have their windows and/or patio open so it isn’t hard to make a day of it.

Brew Woo

After a day of sampling beer, the next logical step is to head out to the bars and pay for full size drinks. Brew Woo is usually the first week in April, so everyone has recovered—physically and emotionally—from both Parade Day and St. Patrick’s Day festivities. It’s a great day to expand your palette, or to reaffirm that you aren’t a stout drinker. It’s also an opportunity to try out new seasonal varieties.

Pam Martin bartends at Compass Tavern at 90 Harding Street in Worcester every Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

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