New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Dimmed relaxed lighting with cool blue fluorescence, shiny high top tables, and a large, lit fish tank adorned with liquor bottles greet you as you walk into the bar. Classic blues tunes by such greats as Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Lee Hooker, and BB King fill your ears as you find your seat and peruse a menu of unique and creative cocktails. No, this is not a scene from New York City or Boston, but from our own downtown New Bedford. Pier 37 brings a great new scene to NB night life.
Anyone who visits downtown on the regular knows that it has a variety of bar scenes, from the dance club vibe of Bar 908, to the college student haven that is Hibernia, to the classy wine and tapas bar Cork, there is a lot going on. When Pier 37 was reborn from an establishment formerly known as Fins, it was difficult to imagine what they might do to distinguish themselves from the many other bars and restaurants mere yards away. However, Pier 37 is truly unlike any other place in New Bedford.
I had my first experience at Pier 37 the other night, getting a drink there with a friend after work. Unfortunately, I missed getting the opportunity to try anything from the kitchen because I didn’t get out of work until after 9pm (the kitchen stays open until 8pm). However, I was lucky to be able to sit down with co-owner Noah Griffith who described to me the vision he, along with Steven Perry and Louise Branchaud, had when creating the recently opened Pier 37.
When I asked Noah what makes Pier 37 different from other places downtown, he pointed out quite simply that there has not been a bar dedicated to the jazz and blues scene since Rosies, which was located on Hathaway Road and closed years ago. For music lovers, having a place with blues and jazz music is a gem, because it has become so scarce. Pier 37 creates an excellent atmosphere, between the beautiful renovations they have done and the timeless tunes playing through their sound system. I have yet to see any of the live acts that are becoming a predominate fixture of Pier 37, but Noah informed me that they have live music often, and they are hoping to eventually host open jam sessions with local musicians looking for a place to play.
Another thing that makes Pier 37 stand out are their amazing cocktails. Just a quick glance at their menu and you see some catchy names with delicious sounding ingredients, like Sex on the Pier, Beatnik, and Frisky Whisky. I tried the Beatnik, which was made with a homemade sour mix and was truly perfection. Afterwards, it was recommended that I try the Whalers Rum Punch, which is one of their most popular drinks and a rum lovers dream. The prices were reasonable for the quality of drinks being made, and for those who aren’t a fan of cocktails, Pier 37 also have a nice variety of wine selections which range from $5-$11 a glass. Of course, they also have beer, including a few on tap such a Guinness and Sam Adams.
Another element of Pier 37 that I have yet to indulge in is their one-of-a-kind food menu. On the menu it states “New England Meets Southern Cuisine at Pier 37.” Just looking at the menu, it is clear that Head Chef Phil Hahn and Sous Chef Nick Athaide went out of their way to create unique menu. The fresh ingredients and creative recipes are a point of pride for Pier 37, and the menu boasts such entrees as Jambalaya, Grilled Swordfish Picatta, and a Low Country Shrimp Boil.
One of the highlights of their menu that Noah pointed out to me is the Pier 37 Jumbo Lump Crab Cake which they maintain is the “best you will ever have.” Hopefully we will see this put to the test at the Taste of SouthCoast Festival, which Pier 37 plans to participate in this year. Of course, if you can’t wait until May, I suggest heading down there as soon as possible. Pier 37 is open 4pm to 1am most nights, and stays open until 2am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Noah Griffith informed me that Pier 37 intends to continue to expand upon their menu over time, and additionally, they will open for lunch starting February 27th.
Pier 37 had their grand opening of Saturday, February 18th, which featured the music of Boston’s blues singer Diane Blue. Pier 37 will continue to feature live music several nights a week, and a great way to follow their music schedule is by liking them on Facebook.
Overall, I found Pier 37 to be a very enjoyable place to unwind after work and chat with a friend. The service was very friendly, the bar tender was excellent, and the atmosphere was like nowhere around. When speaking with co-owner Noah Griffith, he mentioned that their vision in creating Pier 37 was to make a place that would be comfortable and entertaining, and they seem to have accomplished that goal.
